About this topic
Drug allergy is a reaction to a drug. You may have a group of signs after taking a drug. Sometimes, your body reacts differently than is expected to a drug or other substance. This is an allergy. You may have a reaction to any kind of drug. The most common kinds are: ‚
- Antibiotics like penicillin, sulfa drugs, or tetracycline
- Pain drugs like aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen
- Seizure drugs like barbiturates, phenytoin, and carbamazepine
- I.V. contrast dye
- Drugs used for anesthesia
- Vaccines
What are the causes?
- Kind of drug and how your body reacts to it
- Dose and how long and how often you take the drug
- Taking a drug more than one time
- How you are taking the drug, like in a pill or a shot
What can make this more likely to happen?
Females are more likely to have allergies to some drugs. If you have problems with one drug, you are more likely to have problems with another. Your family history may put you at a higher risk for allergies. Being allergic to things like eggs or shellfish may raise your risk of drug allergies. So can taking more than one drug at a time or taking the same drugs over and over. ‚
What are the main signs?
Your signs may start right away or they may not start for a few days after taking the drug. ‚
- Skin signs like:
- Rashes or hives
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, or other body tissues
- Itchy skin or eyes
- Red eyes
- Gastrointestinal signs like:
- Throwing up
- Loose stools
- Belly pain
- Heart and lung signs like:
- Problems breathing
- Runny nose
- Asthma attack
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Other signs like:
- Fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Light sensitivity
- Very bad and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and ask about all the drugs that you are taking. Your doctor will ask questions and check your signs. Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- When your signs first started
- If you have had any problems with drugs in the past
- Any family history of drug allergies
- Other illnesses like colds or flu or long-term illnesses you may have
Your doctor will do an exam and look for: ‚
- Redness or skin rashes
- Hives
- Swollen body parts
- Breathing problems
- Trouble swallowing
Your doctor may order tests to learn more about your allergy. You may need to have: ‚
- Skin test ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor puts the drug directly on your skin to see if you have a reaction. Your skin may become red or swollen if you have an allergy.
- Blood tests ¢ ˆ ’ Your blood may be tested to see if it reacts to certain things.
- Patch tests ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor may put a patch of paper with many drugs on your skin.
- Drug challenge test ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor may give you the drug in small amounts. The doctor will slowly give you more of the drug to check for drug reactions. If you are allergic, this may cause a very bad reaction.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will give you treatment to ease the signs of the reaction. ‚
- You may be told to take less of the drug or to stop it all together.
- You may need to take other drugs to ease your signs.
- For very serious reactions, you may need oxygen and I.V. fluids.
- You may need to stay in the hospital until you are feeling better.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- If you have an allergy, always check your drugs and labels. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything you do not understand.
- Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your drugs.
- Talk to your doctor before taking any drugs. This includes use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, herbal drugs, and other drug supplements.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat allergic reactions
- Help with swelling
- Relieve itching
- Stop throwing up
Will there be any other care needed?
If you have a drug allergy: ‚
- Seek emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing, have swelling of your lips or tongue, or have trouble swallowing.
- Wear a medical alert ID that tells your drug allergy. This can help you in emergency cases.
- Be sure to tell your doctor right away. Do not self medicate.
- Take cool showers or apply cool compress. This can help ease signs.
- Wear light and soft clothing so that you do not bother your skin.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology ‚
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/drug-allergy/Pages/default.aspx ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=524 ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Allergies ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚