Medication that turns skin bluish?

[mistyda]

I got a test question stating a patient is taking a medication that is turning his skin bluish. I was asked to identify the likely medication. Silver was not one of the options. I can't remember the other options. Anyone know?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

That would be amiodarone...

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Another thing to consider ...

When the skin turns bluish or purplish, it could be due to the lack of oxygen in the blood or anemia. The oxygen-poor blood is bluish red in color. Women suffering from pneumonia, long diseases and some heart problems are troubled with this type of pigmentation too.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Agree with Jan. Amiodarone (Cordarone) is likely.

Extended use of minocycline has also been associated with a blue-gray discoloration of the skin.

[tconlgirl]

Does amiodoarone really turn skin blue-ish? I had no idea, I have even given that med before. Why does it do that? Anyone know? I COULD look it up, but if someone wants to share :)

[morte, LPN, LVN]

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1959100this

this is really old.....and perhaps the mode of action has been proven to be otherwise, but interesting.....and i cant say that i remember this from school.....and this article predates EVEN me....schooling that is...lol

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

I think methotrexate turns the skin bluish too

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

What about Coumadin...the purple toe syndrome? Interesting about amidoraone...didn't know that!

[mistyda]

Thanks guys. I think Amiodorone was one of the options.

[Longie]

I had a psych pt during a rotation in school whose skin was BLUE without doubt. You could pick it out from quite a distance away. It would seem to wax and wane in intensity from day to day. The nurses told me it was a reaction to Thorazine--my drug guide lists 'pigment changes' as a potential side effect. The nurses also said that this was permanent and pt had for several years now.