Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines: skin testing, graded challenge, and desensitization regimens

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to tetracyclines and the related compound, tigecycline, can limit the use of these medications and compromise optimal patient care. Despite this, there is little discussion in the literature describing the presentation of these reactions or guiding clinicians on the management of these reactions in adult and pediatric patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, optimal diagnostic approach, and management of HSRs to tetracyclines. METHODS: Patients with reactions to tetracyclines at our institution from 2011 to 2019 were identified by retrospective chart review. Skin testing protocols were designed for each antibiotic. Graded challenge and desensitization procedures were devised based on medical history, skin testing results when available, and need for readministration. RESULTS: The HSRs to tetracyclines, their workup, and management are described for 10 patients, aged 7 to 68 years. Our skin testing protocols for doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline described herein had good negative predictive value. When skin testing was negative and the initial reaction was not severe, graded challenge to the culprit drug was performed. Using the included procedures, 3 patients were desensitized to oral doxycycline, 3 to oral minocycline, and 2 to intravenous tigecycline. All the desensitizations were successful. CONCLUSIONS: Once identified, HSRs to tetracyclines can be further evaluated with skin testing and graded challenge and managed in appropriate cases with desensitization. These procedures can facilitate first-line therapy for patients who require tetracyclines but developed hypersensitivity reactions.