What is red man syndrome?

Answer 1

Red Man Syndrome is a reaction to the drug vancomycin. Patients typically develop symptoms within 5 or 10 minutes of receiving the drug, and they experience itching and flushing of the face, neck, & torso. They may also experience swelling of the lips, face, or eyes and/or a drop in blood pressure, but this is less frequent. Red Man Syndrome is not a true allergy, even though the symptoms look similar to an allergic reaction.

When signs of red man syndrome appear, the first step is often to stop the vancomycin infusion. Some patients may receive antihistamine medications before the drug is restarted. It is common practice to infuse the vancomycin at a slower rate thereafter. If the drug is given again, Red Man Syndrome can usually be avoided by pre-treating the patient with antipyretic and antihistamine medications (like acetaminophen and diphenhydramine) and infusing the drug at the slower rate.

Answer 2

Red man syndrome is a reaction that can occur when certain medications, such as vancomycin, are administered too quickly intravenously. Symptoms include flushing of the face, neck, and upper torso, along with itching and a tingling sensation. Treatment typically involves stopping the medication infusion and administering antihistamines or slowing down the infusion rate.