Meperidine-induced Local Urticaria in a Male Adolescent with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Anaphylaxis is rare with opiates. A local cutaneous reaction may occur with the intravenous infusion of meperidine and should not be confused with a systemic reaction. We present a case of a local urticarial reaction associated with the intravenous infusion of meperidine in a patient with sickle cell disease. No systemic manifestations occurred and the reaction resolved with the administration of an antihistamine. Localized cutaneous reactions have been reported previously with the intravenous infusion of meperidine. Rarely, a large urticarial response may occur at the infusion site resulting from direct mast cell release by the drug. A large, localized urticarial reaction may be seen with the infusion of meperidine and the patient should not be labeled as having a hypersensitivity to the drug in the absence of systemic signs or symptoms.