Drugs associated with generalized non-allergic pruritus: A World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database analysis

Chronic pruritus without skin lesions may be related to medication use and can seriously affect quality of life. In this study, we analyzed 268,799 reports from VigiBase, the global pharmacovigilance database, to identify the drugs most frequently associated with generalized pruritus without skin lesions, excluding allergic, dermatological, and renal causes. The main classes of drugs involved were systemic antibiotics, vaccines, immunosuppressants, iodinated contrast agents, anticancer drugs, analgesics, and antivirals. Positive relapse cases also highlighted statins, anti-tuberculosis drugs, antacids, and certain anti-inflammatory agents. The study confirmed known associations and highlighted lesser-known triggers. These findings help clinicians evaluate and manage drug-induced pruritus.