LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Cefixime, a third-generation cephalosporin, is commonly used in different infections. Tolerance is pretty good even if some side effects can be frequent like digestive disorders. Other effects, not mentioned in the Summary of Product Characteristics, can occur. METHODS We report a case of recurrent, acute oromandibular dystonia in a cefixime-treated adult. CASE-REPORT After the third dose of cefixime, prescribed for a bronchial infection, a patient experienced a first episode of oromandibular dystonia. Then, after each ingestion, the same effects appeared. After the discontinuation of cefixime, there was no recurrence. The diagnosis of acute oromandibular dystonia has been confirmed by a neurologist. DISCUSSION Some cases of dystonia have been published with other β-lactams antibiotics and with cefixime but they concerned children. Different mechanisms are proposed to explain the occurrence of dystonia during a treatment with cefixime. They involved certain neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine or GABA. CONCLUSION Even if dystonia is not a side effect mentioned in the SPC, the drug's potential causal role must always be considered in case of involuntary contraction of muscles in a patient treated with cefixime or any other β-lactam antibiotics.