Allergic Reactions to Drugs
When some individuals take drugs to treat certain conditions, the body may create an immune response against the medication. When the body has such a negative response, the person is said to have an allergic reaction to the drug. People can be allergic to all different types of medications, and sometimes the effects can be life-threatening.
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Causes
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Antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfa drugs are among the more common drugs that causes allergic reactions in people. Other medications that might cause reactions include barbiturates, anticonvulsants, local anesthetics, insulin and iodine, which can be found in X-ray contrast dyes.
Symptoms
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A person can have a number of different symptoms as a result of a drug allergy. Some reactions may cause discomfort, such as itching, rash, swelling or hives. Others may cause the body to go into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe reaction to an allergen that affects the whole body and can cause death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include, but are not limited to, abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm, confusion, slurred speech, drop in blood pressure or fainting.
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Identification
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To determine if you are having a drug reaction, a doctor will usually observe and evaluate the symptoms you are having. Sometimes a skin test may be used to confirm a diagnosis. .
Treatment
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Treatment for the allergic reaction depends on its symptoms and severity. In mild cases oral or topical antihistamines or corticosteroids may be effective. Bronchodilators may be necessary if there are issues with breathing. In cases where the allergy causes the person to go into anaphylactic shock, epinephrine may be necessary.
Prevention/Solution
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If you suspect that you might be having an allergic reaction to a drug, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. Always let physicians know about previous medical allergic reactions before you are treated. This allows them to make the best decision when providing care for you and can reduce the risk of being exposed to the same or a similar allergen in the future.
Considerations
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If you are aware that you have a drug allergy, it is to your benefit to carry this information on your person at all times, in case there is ever an emergency where you need medical attention. Some people wear necklaces or bracelets that contain this information. Others carry a card that identifies any medical conditions and allergies.
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