Eosinophilic Pneumonia induced by Minocycline
Eli Rosen
Medical Dept. B, Hillel Yaffe Hospital, Hadera
Eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare adverse effect of minocycline. To date there are about 70 chemical compounds that cause drug-induced, eosinophilic lung disease.
A 20-year-old woman who developed eosinophilic pneumonia due to minocycline is described. Diagnosis was established by history, signs and symptoms, peripheral eosinophilia, chest x-rays and response to combined cessation of treatment and a short course of steroids.
Physicians should be aware to this rare adverse effect of the drug. Attention to the possibility of minocycline-induced eosinophilic pneumonia can prevent unnecessary, expensive investigation. Cessation of intake is usually sufficient for cure.