Medications
Drug-induced oral ulcers may be clinically divided into two distinct subtypes. Mucositis and ulceration are the most common side effects of cytotoxic medicines such as chemotherapy. Within days after starting treatment, these ulcerations may appear severe, often necessitating opioids and adjustments to or a complete halt to chemotherapy. Chemical compounds like 5-Carac, blenoxane, methotrexate, and Platinol are cytotoxic medications that can cause mouth ulcers. Immunosuppressive drugs can also cause mouth ulcers due to infections caused by gram-negative fungi and bacteria.
On the other hand, drug eruption is characterized by persistent, recurrent ulceration that does not respond to standard medical care, which can be seen anywhere on the oral mucosa. Larger than aphthous ulcers, these sores often have a flat, white surface. They often have a distinct, slightly elevated ulcer edge but no accompanying induration.
Several recent studies have detailed cases of mouth ulcers caused by relatively new medications used to treat long-term conditions such as osteoporosis, stable angina, arthropathy, and diabetes. Drugs such as beta-blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), anti-rejection drugs, platelet agglutination inhibitors, vasodilators, and antibiotics may all lead to ulcerations in the mouth. Immune responses may play a role in these records of oral ulceration. However, the underlying molecular pathways involved remain unclear.
