Idiosyncratic adversity reported after oral consumption of an ayurvedic formulation containing bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium): A case report

Abstract

Drugs associated adversities are common in health care practice. These adversities are often associated with the dose-related, time-related and methods of drug intake and their rationality in a given condition but can also be unrelated to either of these causes. Such unpredictable drug reactions are highly important from the perspective of safe use of a drug and to prevent complications from any such adversity which is relatively uncommon. The case reported here is a likely case of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) like idiosyncratic adversity after oral consumption of an ayurvedic formulation containing Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium). DRESS is found associated with many other classes of drugs but its association with ayurvedic drug has not yet been reported. Upon Naranjo probability scale the event scored 6, putting it into the category of probable drug related adversity. This report widens our understanding towards the possibility of delayed and idiosyncratic drug adversities upon the consumption of certain ayurvedic drugs.