The risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is significantly higher in patients carrying the HLA-B*1502 allele who are prescribed:
- A Valproate
- B Levetiracetam
- C Carbamazepine ✓
- D Lamotrigine
Correct answer: C. Carbamazepine
Explanation
HLA-B*1502, prevalent in Southeast Asian and Han Chinese populations, is strongly associated with carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA) recommend genotyping patients with Asian ancestry before initiating carbamazepine. Valproate and levetiracetam do not carry this pharmacogenomic association; lamotrigine has a different HLA association (HLA-A*3101).
Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.