The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website and App

Diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) flavoring agent

A flavoring agent used in food processing. Can cause obliterative bronchiolitis in man. This has received experimental support in laboratory animals. This compound may be contained in e-cigarette smoke/vapor. Pentanedione may expose to similar risks. PMID 26761629

Frequency - Incidence

Incidence of respiratory adverse event(s) due to the specific drug as assessed by number of reported/published cases in the literature. Red digits in stars indicate: 0 = Very rare, questionable signal · 1 = < 10 cases · 2 = 10-50 cases · 3 = 50–100 cases · 4 = 100-200 cases · 5 = >200 cases

Evidence level/grade

Evidence level for respiratory adverse event(s) due to the specific drug as estimated using Hill’s (1965), Naranjo’s (1981), and Bégaud’s (1985) criteria applied to published cases. Blue digits in stars indicate: 0 = Questionable · 1 = Low · 2 = Moderate · 3 = Robust · 4 = Definite · 5 = Unquestionable, pathognomonic