Famotidine Possible Cutaneous Rash in Covid-19 Patients: An Adverse Effect Case Series

Abstract

Background: Various cutaneous manifestations have been observed in patients with COVID-19 infection. However, the skin side effects of the medications used for COVID-19, such as famotidine, have not been studied. Objective: This case series aim to present our challenge to define cutaneous manifestations between famotidine and COVID-19. Methods: We identified patients from Imam Khomeini hospital complex who were admitted to the ward with confirmed infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) taking famotidine and having cutaneous rash. Clinical data were obtained through observation and intervention. Results: We found 4 SARS-COV-2 patients with cutaneous manifestations. The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 57±2 years, 3 patients were men, and COVID-19 symptoms began 10±3 days before admission. The most common symptoms were cough and shortness of breath. All the patients were admitted for hypoxemic respiratory failure. Patients received famotidine for gastrointestinal prophylaxis, and all 4 patients developed Acral macular mountainous skin lesion in the upper and lower extremities, then we discontinued famotidine and lesions were recovered completely in all patients. Conclusion: These cases prompted us to inform clinicians about cutaneous complications of famotidine in COVID-19 patients.