Drug Allergy
Drug Allergies: An Overview
Drug allergies are a type of hypersensitivity reaction involving the immune system. These reactions can be mild, such as a rash, or potentially life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis. It is important to recognize and manage allergic reactions to medications, as they can cause serious health complications.
Symptoms
Drug allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the type of reaction. Common symptoms of a drug allergy include:
- Fever
- Hives
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Swelling
- Wheezing
In more severe cases, drug allergies can cause:
- Anaphylaxis
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
Risk Factors
Certain medications are more likely to cause allergies. These include:
- Antibiotics, such as penicillin
- Pain medications (analgesics), such as aspirin
- Hormones, such as insulin
- Sulfa medications, such as sulfonamides
- Anti-seizure medications, such as carbamazepine
People with a history of allergies, asthma, or eczema may have an increased risk of developing a drug allergy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a drug allergy, your doctor may ask about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and perform allergy testing. Allergy testing may involve blood tests, skin prick tests, or skin patch tests.
Treatment of a drug allergy will depend on the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions, such as rashes, may be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroids. More severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, may need to be treated with epinephrine, a medication that opens the airways and increases blood pressure.
For severe reactions, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. People with severe drug allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times.