It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of drug allergy because they can be life-threatening. However, death resulting from an allergic reaction to medications is extremely rare.
What Are the Common Triggers of Drug Allergy?
Painkillers such as Codeine and Morphine.
Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), for example Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin.
Antibiotics such as Penicillin, sulfa drugs, and Tetracycline.
Epilepsy treatments such as Dilantin and Tegretol.
What Are the Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction to Medications?
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to medications and drugs include the following:
- Skin rash
- Skin itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial swelling
- Lip swelling
- Wheezing and rattling
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Acne
- Abdominal or stomach cramps
How Is an Allergic Reaction to Medications and Drugs Diagnosed?
It is important to know whether the reaction you are experiencing is the result of an allergy or something else. When you visit an allergy specialist, you can be of help if you have the following information ready:
- When did you take the medication?
- When did you stop taking the medication?
- When did the problem start?
- What happened to you?
- How long did your problem last?
- What other prescriptions did you take?
- What herbs did you take?
- What treatments did you take after experiencing the allergic reaction?
For some medications, including certain antibiotics, a skin allergy test can be used to determine whether you have an allergy to them. A small amount of the drug is injected into the skin of the forearm or back. If you are sensitive to the tested drug, it will result in redness, a raised bump on the skin, or some other reaction.
During a drug provocation test, gradually increasing doses of the suspected drug are administered. This drug can be given through various routes for testing, including orally or subcutaneously. A reaction indicates a possible sensitivity or allergy to the drug. If the reaction to the drug was mild or there was no evidence of an allergy, use of the drug may be a safe treatment.
What Is an Adverse Reaction to Medications and Drugs?
Sometimes medications can cause problems. These problems are called adverse drug reactions. You should know what to do if you believe that you or someone you are caring for has had an adverse reaction to medications or drugs. This does not represent an allergic reaction, but is rather about knowing the side effects of a medication.
When Should I Seek Emergency Care?
Seek emergency treatment due to the presence of symptoms or signs indicating a severe anaphylactic reaction or suspected anaphylactic shock after taking a medication. Emergency signs and symptoms of a drug reaction include the following:
- Constriction of the airways or throat
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness and awareness
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Allergic Reactions to Medications and Drugs?
These factors include the following:
- Having had a previous allergic reaction to the same medication or other drugs.
- Taking a medication similar to the one that previously caused an allergic reaction.
- Having a health condition that weakens the immune system, such as Epstein-Barr virus or HIV/AIDS.
- Having hay fever or any other allergic reaction.
