A Rare Case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Secondary to Levofloxacin Administration: Presentation and Management
Abstract
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but life-threatening mucocutaneous reaction, most commonly triggered by medications and characterised by rapid progression, extensive mucosal involvement, and risk of long-term sequelae. We describe the case of a 74-year-old woman who developed severe SJS shortly after receiving levofloxacin for community-acquired pneumonia. Within days of antibiotic exposure, she experienced extensive mucocutaneous ulceration and profound ocular involvement, necessitating intensive multidisciplinary care. This case highlights the unpredictable nature of drug-associated SJS, the challenges of managing extensive ocular disease, and the importance of vigilance when prescribing widely used antibiotics. By underscoring the value of early identification and coordinated multidisciplinary care, it serves as a reminder that even familiar medications can provoke uncommon but severe reactions with the potential to cause life-changing consequences.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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