Medicines That May Cause a Rash

Topic Overview

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause a rash. A few common examples are:

• Antibiotics.
• Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
• Pain medicines, such as codeine.
• Seizure medicines.

If a rash occurs after you have begun a new medicine:

• Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. Do not take another dose of the medicine until you have spoken to your doctor.
• If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.