[Pneumonitis induced by the drug ougon]

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 1999 May;37(5):396-400.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We report a case of drug-induced pneumonitis associated with the herbal medications Sho-saiko-to and Ouren-gedoku-to. A 62-year-old man experienced fever and dry cough after using Ouren-gedoku-to for 2 months. He was admitted to our hospital because a subsequent 5-day course of Sho-saiko-to for suspected bronchitis aggravated these symptoms and caused exertional dyspnea. Chest X-ray films revealed a ground-glass appearance in both lower lung fields. Cessation of these medications improved the patient's clinical and X-ray findings. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed an increase in lymphocytes with a decreased CD 4/CD 8 ratio. While drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests gave negative results, challenge tests for Ouren-gedoku-to and Sho-saiko-to were both positive. A diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis was made. Our findings suggested the involvement of Ougon, the only common ingredient in the two medications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • CD4-CD8 Ratio
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Extracts
  • Scutellaria baicalensis

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Plant Extracts
  • Scutellaria baicalensis extract
  • oren gedoku to
  • saiko-keishi-to