Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa e-ISSN: 2709-9997, p-ISSN: 3006-1059 Vol.6 No. 6 (2025): June 2025 Issue https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1916 Original Article Page | 1 A case report on antibiotic-induced skin rashes in a tertiary care hospital in Southern Odisha. Suvendu Kumar Panda 1* , Mousumi Pradhan 2 , Snehasini Dash 2 , Jasmine Mahanta 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha 1 Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha 2 Abstract Background Antibiotics, while essential in treating infections, are also among the most common causes of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially in pediatric populations. This report presents two pediatric cases of antibiotic-induced skin rashes following administration of ceftriaxone and vancomycin. Objective: To report and analyze two pediatric cases of antibiotic-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs), one due to ceftriaxone and the other to vancomycin, highlighting their clinical presentation, management, and implications for pharmacovigilance in a tertiary care setting. Case Presentation Case 1 involves a 9-month-old male with left-sided empyema who developed erythematous rashes within one hour of receiving intravenous ceftriaxone. The reaction was managed with intramuscular antihistamine (Pheniramine), and ceftriaxone was discontinued. Case 2 reports a 9-year-old male with pyrexia of unknown origin, who developed widespread rashes after 13 days of vancomycin therapy. The reaction was suspected to be a delayed-type hypersensitivity. Vancomycin was discontinued, and intravenous methylprednisolone was initiated. Causality assessment: Both reactions were assessed as “probable” according to the WHO-UMC Causality Assessment Scale. Discussion These cases highlight the potential of beta-lactam (ceftriaxone) and glycopeptide (vancomycin) antibiotics to induce immediate and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. While often underreported, these reactions can be managed effectively with prompt drug withdrawal and appropriate treatment. The importance of vigilant pharmacovigilance, especially in pediatric settings, is emphasized. Conclusion Antibiotic-induced skin reactions in children warrant early identification, rational drug use, and avoidance of re- exposure. Strengthening pharmacovigilance practices and conducting larger studies can aid in better understanding and prevention. Recommendations Routine monitoring of pediatric patients on antibiotics for hypersensitivity symptoms, detailed allergy history-taking, timely reporting to pharmacovigilance programs, and patient/caregiver education are essential. Rechallenge with the suspected drug should be avoided. Keywords: Antibiotic-induced skin rash, Ceftriaxone, Vancomycin, Adverse Drug Reaction, Pediatric hypersensitivity, Pharmacovigilance Submitted: 2025-04-21 Accepted: 2025-05-21 Published: 2025-06-30 Corresponding author: Dr. Suvendu Kumar Panda * Email id: suvendukumarpanda041@gmail.com ORCID ID: - https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5830-7351 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha. Address: Academic block, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha. Pincode – 760004