Drug Allergy
A drug allergy is the abnormal reaction of your immune system to a medication. A true drug allergy is caused by a series of chemical steps in the body that produce the allergic reaction to a medication.
Certain medications are more likely to produce allergic reactions than others. The most common are:
- Antibiotics, such as penicillin
- Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
- Anticonvulsants
- Monoclonal antibody therapy
- Chemotherapy
Common symptoms of a drug allergy include:
- Hives
- Runny nose
- fever
- Itching of the skin or eyes
- Skin rash
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Risk factors include:
- A history of other allergies, such as food allergy or hay fever
- A family history of drug allergy
- Increased exposure to a drug, because of high doses, repetitive use or prolonged use
- Certain illnesses commonly associated with allergic drug reactions, such as infection with HIV or the Epstein-Barr virus
Tests and Diagnosis involves:
- Physical examination
- Skin tests
- Blood tests
Preventive measures
If you have a drug allergy, the best prevention is to avoid the problem drug. Steps you can take to protect yourself include the following:
- Inform health care workers
- Carry emergency epinephrine
Treatments of Drug allergy
- For skin reactions such as rashes and itching antihistamine creams (for example Benadryl) or steroid creams (for example, hydrocortisone) are used.
- Anaphylaxis requires an immediate epinephrine injection as well as hospital care to maintain blood pressure and support breathing.
- Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) that can block immune system chemicals activated during an allergic reaction.
- Injections of antihistamines and or steroids are given for serious allergic reactions.
