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Drug Allergies - Topic Overview
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
What is a drug allergy?
A drug allergy happens when you have a harmful reaction to a medicine you use. Your body’s immune system fights back by setting off an allergic reaction. Most drug allergies are mild, and the symptoms go away within a few days after you stop using the medicine. But some drug allergies can be very serious.
Some drug allergies go away with time. But after you have an allergic reaction to a drug, you will probably always be allergic to that drug. You can also be allergic to other drugs that are like it.
A drug allergy is one type of harmful, or adverse, drug reaction. There are other kinds of adverse drug reactions. Symptoms and treatments of different kinds of adverse reactions vary. So your doctor will want to find out if you have a true drug allergy or if you have another type of bad reaction that isn't as serious.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a drug allergy can range from mild to very serious. Most of the time they appear within 1 to 72 hours. They include:
- Hives or welts,
a rash, blisters, or a skin problem called
eczema. These are the most common symptoms of drug
allergies. See a picture of
skin reactions caused by drug allergies
. - Coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and trouble breathing.
- A fever.
- A serious skin condition that makes your skin blister and peel. This problem is called toxic epidermal necrolysis, and it can be deadly if it is not treated.
- Anaphylaxis, which is the most dangerous reaction. It can be deadly, and you will need emergency treatment. Symptoms, such as hives and trouble breathing, usually appear within 1 hour after you take the medicine. Without quick care, you could go into shock.
What medicines commonly cause an allergic reaction?
Any medicine can cause an allergic reaction. A few of the most common ones are:
- Penicillins (such as nafcillin, ampicillin, or amoxicillin).
- Sulfa medicines.
- Barbiturates.
- Insulin.
- Vaccines.
- Anticonvulsants.
- Medicines for hyperthyroidism.
If you are allergic to one medicine, you may be allergic to others like it. For example, if you are allergic to penicillin, you may also be allergic to similar medicines such as cephalosporins (cephalexin or cefuroxime, for example).
How is a drug allergy diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose a drug allergy by asking you questions about the medicines you take and about any medicines you have taken in the recent past. Your doctor will also ask about your past health and your symptoms. He or she will do a physical exam.
If this doesn't tell your doctor whether you have a drug allergy, then he or she may do skin tests. Or your doctor may have you take small doses of a medicine to see if you have a reaction. In some cases, you may need a blood test or other type of testing.
How is it treated?
If you have a reaction
Call
If you have a severe reaction, your first treatment may occur in an emergency room. You may get an epinephrine shot to help you breathe. You may also get medicines, such as antihistamines and steroid medicines.
If you have a mild allergic reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines may help your symptoms. You may need prescription medicine if these don't help or if you have problems with side effects, such as drowsiness.
Other treatment
The best thing you can do for a drug allergy is to stop taking the medicine that causes it. Talk to your doctor to see if you can take another type of medicine.
If you can't change your medicine, your doctor may try a method called desensitization. This means that you will start to take small amounts of the medicine that caused your reaction. You will then slowly increase how much you take. This lets your immune system "get used to" the medicine. After this, you may no longer have an allergic reaction.
Staying safe
If you have severe drug allergies, your doctor may give you an allergy kit that contains an epinephrine shot. Your kit may also include an antihistamine. Keep your allergy kit with you at all times. Your doctor will teach you how to use it. If you have a serious allergic reaction, you may need to give yourself the shot, take the antihistamine, and get emergency medical treatment.
Be sure to wear a medical alert bracelet or other jewelry that lists your drug allergies. If you are in an emergency, this can save your life.
How can you care for yourself at home?
To take care of yourself at home:
- Know which medicines you're allergic to, and avoid taking these medicines.
- Keep a list of all medicines you are taking.
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any new medicines you are prescribed. Make sure they are not similar to those that can cause a reaction.
- Don't use someone else's medicines or share yours.
If you do have a mild reaction, take steps to relieve symptoms such as itching. Take cool showers, or apply cool compresses. Wear light clothing that doesn't bother your skin. Stay away from strong soaps and detergents, which can make itching worse.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 1, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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