Drugs Implicated in the Development of Lichenoid Lesions

Dental Update – November 2002 Abstract: Lichen planus is a relatively common, often clinically distinctive, mucocutaneous condition with an uncertain aetiology. One variant of lichen planus is the so-called ‘lichenoid drug eruption’. In contrast to idiopathic lichen planus, lichenoid drug eruptions, where practicable, may be managed by substitution of the offending drug. The dental clinician is in a prime position to identify these lesions and liaise with medical colleagues regarding their management. This article reviews oral lichenoid drug eruptions, emphasizing those aspects of relevance to the general dental practitioner.