Medicines That May Cause a Rash

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause a rash. A few common examples are:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
  • Pain medicines, such as codeine.
  • Seizure medicines.

If a rash occurs after you have begun a new medicine:

  • Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. Do not take another dose of the medicine until you have spoken to your doctor.
  • If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised February 21, 2012

Last Revised: February 21, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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