Drug-induced pleural disease

Drug-induced pleural disease is an uncommon phenomenon, especially compared with drug-induced parenchymal disease. Approximately 30 drugs are believed to be definitively or probably causative of pleural disease. In addition, six drugs are strongly associated with drug-induced lupus. Drugs should always be considered as a potential cause for an undiagnosed exudative effusion before proceeding with an extensive diagnostic evaluation. Pleural fluid eosinophilia has been associated with eight medications and its presence should alert the clinician as a possible cause of an undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion X.