Red man syndrome during administration of prophylactic antibiotic against infective endocarditis

Abstract

Red man syndrome (RMS) is the occurrence flushing, pruritus, chest pain, muscle spasm or hypotension during vancomycin infusion. It usually happens as a result of rapid infusion of the drug but may also occur after slow administration. The frequency and severity of this phenomenon diminish with repeated administration of vancomycin. A case is presented whereby RMS occurred while prophylactic antibiotic against infective endocarditis was administered.