|
.................................... Search the net .................................... |
Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology
2005 April, Vol. VIII, No. 1 (2907-2913)
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON THE LUNG
Robert Dinwiddie
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, UK
A considerable amount of drugs can have potentially adverse effects on the lungs. The most common are cytotoxic agents but a number of others can also cause problems, particularly certain antibiotics, anti-convulsants and anti-inflammatory agents. Three patterns of reaction are seen. Some drugs can cause acute reactions, in these cases lung function tests show a restrictive pattern and withdrawal of the drug usually results in resolution of the symptoms. Other drugs cause chronic pneumonitis leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Lung function tests show a restrictive pattern and treatment is with systemic corticosteroids. The long term outcome is variable including permanent lung damage and is occasionally fatal. Third drugs can cause non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Presenting features include cough, tachypnoea and breathlessness particularly on exercise. This paper describes the most common cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic agents causing adverse effects on the lung.