Conditions and symptoms
What Is Pruritus? Itching as a Side Effect, Explained
Pruritus · say it: proo-RY-tusAlso written: itching, itchiness, itch
Short answer
Pruritus is the medical word for itching of the skin.
What it means
Pruritus simply means itching: an uncomfortable feeling that makes you want to scratch. It can affect one area or the whole body, with or without a rash. Common causes include dry skin, eczema, allergies, insect bites and hives. Itching without a rash can sometimes come from medicines or from conditions of the liver, kidneys, blood or thyroid.
Labels list pruritus as a side effect because many medicines can cause itching, including opioids, some antibiotics and some other medicines. Usually it is mild, but itching with a widespread rash, blisters, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing can be an allergic reaction and needs urgent help. Itching with yellowing skin or eyes can be a sign of a liver problem and should be reported.
Pruritus is the symptom; urticaria (hives) is a type of rash that often causes it. Labels may list both separately.
Where you may see it
- Medicine labels under 'Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders'
- Leaflets under 'Common side effects'
- Dermatology and liver clinic letters
📄 How it looks on a report
Adverse reactions (≥1%): nausea, headache, rash, pruritus.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Itching on a medicine is not always an allergy, but should be mentioned.
- Being listed as a side effect does not mean you will get it.
- Itching without a rash can still have a medical cause worth checking.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Pruritus”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Acyclovir
An antiviral medicine of the nucleoside analogue type, used against herpesviruses
- Allopurinol
a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, a prescription medicine that acts on uric acid
- Aripiprazole
an atypical antipsychotic medicine
- Azithromycin
a macrolide antibacterial (antibiotic) medicine
- Ceftriaxone
A broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic, as described on the official FDA label
- Cephalexin
a cephalosporin antibacterial medicine (an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections)
- Cetirizine
an antihistamine of the selective H1-receptor antagonist type
- Clindamycin Phosphate
A lincosamide antibacterial medicine
- Clonazepam
a benzodiazepine, a type of medicine that slows activity in the central nervous system
- Dapagliflozin
a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, a type of diabetes medicine
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Pruritus” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “pruritus”
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.