We all need to take drugs when we fall ill to manage our physical well-being. These drugs quicken our healing process, but some people react to particular medications. This happens when their immune system wrongly detects something in the medication as a “threat’ and releases a chemical known as histamine to get rid of it.

When your immune system reacts towards a specific medication, you have a drug allergy. Some of the drugs can cause severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis, and you should avoid such drugs with the help of a medical professional.

Generally, some people may react to medications and have serious side effects due to drug intolerances. These reactions are not necessarily from our immune system, and you can overcome them by talking to your GP for a dose reduction or changing to a different medication for the same treatment. However, these drug side effects can be severe if you suffer from drugs allergies.

Drug allergies symptoms:

Drug allergies symptoms varies from one person to another. The severity depends on the kind of prescribed medication and the dosage.

The most common symptoms are:

• Skin rushes
• Raised itchy bumps on the body
• Mouth swelling
• Difficulties in breathing
• Hoarse voice due to a swollen throat
• Itchy eyes

Some drug allergies are so severe resulting into a condition known as anaphylaxis, which requires emergency medical intervention.

Common Drug Allergies

Anyone can react to drugs, whether a professional prescription or bought over-the-counter. The drugs may include:

• Penicillin
• Aspirin
• Codeine
• Ibuprofen
• Antiseizure drugs such as phenytoin, chlorpromazine, lamotrigine, and ethosuximide.
• Sulfa drugs
• ACE Inhibitors such as enalapril and lisinopril
• Herbal medications

Some drug allergies symptoms may occur immediately after taking the medication, while others may take days or even weeks to manifest.

How to diagnose a drug allergy

If you are under medications and start having some allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, you should immediately visit our emergency room for medical intervention.

You can also get in touch with our healthcare practitioners at American Wellness Center and we will refer you to one of our allergy specialists for a medical evaluation to diagnose whether you have an allergic reaction.

During the evaluation, you will need to share the prescribed drugs and any other medication you may have taken in the past. You may also have to share your health history, including any underlying medical condition and the prevailing symptoms. Our specialist may perform skin tests for further allergy analysis.

Drug allergy treatment

Several medications are used to keep the allergic reactions under control by blocking your immune response from releasing histamines. They are:

Antihistamines:

These medications block your immune system from producing histamines, the main triggers of an allergic reaction. This helps control the symptoms as you continue to take your drugs for your healing and recovery. Antihistamines may come in tablets, creams, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Corticosteroids:

Corticosteroids assists in lessening the inflammation of your airways due to severe symptoms such as swelling from a drug allergy. They come as tablets, eyes drops, creams, and nasal sprays. They can also come as a liquid for an IV or nebulizer administration.

Corticosteroids:

Bronchodilators: Some drug allergies may cause chest tightness and wheezing. Bronchodilators aids in opening your airways to enhance a flawless breathing. These drugs come in powder and liquid for inhalation or nebulizer use.

Withdrawing the allergic drug:

The doctor may recommend stopping taking the medications. He may prescribe another related medicine to treat your health problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What is drug desensitization?
This is a medical treatment plan to prevent drug allergic reactions from some specific medications. A doctor will prescribe small dosages within this plan and gradually increase them for 15-30 minutes or several hours or even days. When you get to your anticipated dosage without any reaction, you will be allowed to continue with the drugs.

2. Can I have an allergic drug reaction immediately after taking my medication?
Allergic reactions to drugs can vary from one person to another. Some people react immediately, while others may react after several hours or even days after using the medication. But on average, the allergic symptoms will show up between one to two hours after your last intake.

3. Are the symptoms of drug allergy similar to other forms of allergies?
Yes. Since your immune system triggers the same chemical to block anything your body detects as harmful, the symptoms are similar. They may include hives or red skin rashes, difficulties in breathing, itchy eyes, nose and throat, and wheezing.

4. What other medication can I take if I’m allergic to Penicillin?
Several other effective antibiotics are available in pharmaceuticals if your body reacts to Penicillin. Although it’s considered a highly effective antibiotic, your GP can prescribe other related medications according to the type and severity of the bacterial infection and your previous response to Penicillin.