Which medication is most likely to cause toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient presenting with skin erythema and mucosal erosions?

The correct choice is Ampicillin, as it is one of the medications commonly associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). TEN is characterized by widespread skin detachment and mucosal involvement, often triggered by certain drugs. Ampicillin, a type of penicillin antibiotic, has been documented in numerous case reports to elicit this kind of reaction, particularly in patients with a history of drug allergies or concomitant infections.

Medications such as Prednisolone, though they can lead to various side effects and complications, are not typically linked to TEN. Prednisolone is a corticosteroid primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and it is generally associated with less severe skin reactions.

Aspirin, while a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is more commonly associated with conditions such as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease or gastrointestinal issues, rather than TEN.

Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, has its own profile of adverse effects, but it is not a well-documented cause of toxic epidermal necrolysis. The risk of severe cutaneous reactions linked to hydrochlorothiazide is much lower than that of certain antibiotics