What are the common triggers of drug allergies? How are drug allergies diagnosed? What are the symptoms of drug allergies and how can they be treated?

Common Triggers of Drug Allergies

The most common triggers of drug allergies include:

• Penicillin and related antibiotics
• Antibiotics containing sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
• Anticonvulsants
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Chemotherapy drugs

Diagnosing Drug Allergies

Diagnosing drug allergies can be challenging. The only type of drug allergy that can be definitively diagnosed through a skin test is an allergy to penicillin-type drugs. Other allergic reactions, such as rashes, hives, and asthma, can resemble certain diseases and may require additional testing.

Your allergist will ask you several questions to help diagnose your drug allergy, including:

• What drug do you suspect caused your reaction?
• When did you start taking it, and have you stopped taking it?
• How long after you took the drug did you notice symptoms, and what did you experience?
• How long did your symptoms last, and what did you do to relieve them?
• What other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, do you take?
• Do you consume herbal medications or take vitamin or mineral supplements?
• Have you had a reaction to any other drug?

Depending on the suspected drug, your allergist may also suggest a skin test or, in limited instances, a blood test.

Symptoms of Drug Allergies

While you may not experience allergic symptoms the first time you take a drug, your body could be producing antibodies to it. As a result, the next time you take the drug, your immune system may see it as an invader, and you’ll develop symptoms as your body releases chemicals to defend against it.

These symptoms may include:

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Wheezing or other breathing problems
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock

Penicillin causes most allergic drug symptoms, but just because you show allergic symptoms after taking penicillin doesn’t mean that you will react to related drugs, such as amoxicillin.

Treatment for Drug Allergies

The primary treatment for drug allergies is to avoid the trigger. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, it’s important to wear a medical alert bracelet that lists your trigger.

If you experience an allergic reaction, it’s essential to seek immediate medical care if symptoms worsen or multiple symptoms occur together (anaphylaxis). Your healthcare providers, including your pharmacist, should be aware of your allergy.

In some cases, your allergist may recommend a skin test or drug challenge to confirm the diagnosis and identify alternative medications that you can safely take.

Antibiotics and Drug Allergies

Antibiotics that contain sulfa drugs, such as Septra and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) and Pediazole (erythromycin-sulfisoxazole), can occasionally cause allergic reactions. However, nonantibiotic drugs containing sulfa are very low-risk.

Just because you had a reaction to penicillin (or any other drug) at one time doesn’t mean you will have the same reaction in the future. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your drug allergy and identify safe alternatives when necessary.

Severe Reactions and Drug Rash

In rare cases, a severe delayed reaction known as “drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms” (DRESS) can occur. This reaction may involve multiple organ systems and can be life-threatening. Your allergist may recommend a blood test if they are concerned about this type of reaction.

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing drug allergies and preventing potentially severe reactions.

Preventing Drug Allergy Reactions

The best way to prevent drug allergy reactions is to avoid the trigger. Make sure that all of your healthcare providers, including your pharmacist, are aware of your allergy. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, wear a medical alert bracelet that lists your trigger.

If you must take a medication that you are allergic to, your allergist may recommend a skin test or drug challenge to confirm the diagnosis and identify safe alternatives.

Drug Allergies | Reactions, Symptoms & Treatment

Common Triggers of Drug Allergies

• Penicillin and related antibiotics
• Antibiotics containing sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
• Anticonvulsants
• Aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Chemotherapy drugs

Diagnosing Drug Allergies

• Skin test (accurate only for penicillin)
• Drug challenge

Drug

Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Allergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>Allergy Management and Treatment

• Avoid triggers.
• Seek immediate medical care if symptoms worsen or multiple symptoms occur together ( This severe reaction happens when an over-release of chemicals puts the person into shock. Allergies to food, insect stings, medications and latex are most frequently associated with anaphylaxis.” rel=”tooltip”>anaphylaxis).
• Make sure that all of your health care providers, including your pharmacist, are aware of your allergy. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, wear a medical alert bracelet that lists your trigger.

Symptoms

While you may not experience allergic symptoms the first time you take a drug, your body could be producing antibodies to it. As a result, the next time you take the drug, your immune system may see it as an invader, and you’ll develop symptoms as your body releases chemicals to defend against it.

These symptoms may include:

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Wheezing or other breathing problems
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock; reactions may simultaneously affect two or more organ systems (for example, when there is both a rash and difficulty breathing)

Penicillin causes most allergic drug symptoms. Just because you show allergic symptoms after taking penicillin doesn’t mean that you will react to related drugs, such as amoxicillin, but it’s more likely. Also, just because you had a reaction to penicillin (or any other drug) at one time doesn’t mean you will have the same reaction in the future.

Antibiotics that contain sulfa drugs, such as Septra and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) and Pediazole (erythromycin-sulfisoxazole), occasionally cause allergic reactions. Nonantibiotic drugs containing sulfa are very low-risk.

Diagnosing

Drug allergies can be hard to diagnose. An allergy to penicillin-type drugs is the only one that can be definitively diagnosed through a skin test. Some allergic reactions to drugs – particularly rashes, hives and asthma – can resemble certain diseases.

Your allergist will want to know the answers to these questions:

• What drug do you suspect caused your reaction?
• When did you start taking it, and have you stopped taking it?
• How long after you took the drug did you notice symptoms, and what did you experience?
• How long did your symptoms last, and what did you do to relieve them?
• What other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, do you take?
• Do you consume herbal medications or take vitamin or mineral supplements? If so, which ones?

Your allergist will also want to know whether you have had a reaction to any other drug. If you can, bring the suspected drug with you. This will help the allergist recommend alternatives as needed.

During a physical examination, your allergist will look for problems that are part of the drug reaction, along with nonallergic reasons for the reaction

Depending on the drug suspected of causing the reaction, your allergist may suggest a skin test or, in limited instances, a blood test. A blood test may be helpful in diagnosing a severe delayed reaction, particularly if your physician is concerned that multiple organ systems may be involved. This rare reaction is known as “drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms” or, more commonly, “DRESS syndrome.”

If a drug allergy is suspected, your allergist may also recommend an oral drug challenge, in which you will be supervised by medical staff as you take the drug suspected of triggering a reaction. (If your reaction was severe, a drug challenge may be considered too dangerous.)

Management and Treatment

If you have a drug allergy:

• Make sure all of your doctors are aware of your allergy and the symptoms you experienced.
• Ask about related drugs that you should avoid.
• Ask about alternatives to the drug that caused your allergic reaction.
• Wear an emergency medical alert bracelet or necklace that identifies your allergy.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that can simultaneously affect two or more organ systems (for instance, when there is both swelling and difficulty breathing, or vomiting and hives). If this occurs, call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you are caring for someone who appears to be having a severe reaction to a drug, tell the emergency care team what drug was taken, when it was taken and what the dosage was.

If your allergic reaction to a drug is not life-threatening, your allergist may give you:

• An antihistamine to counteract the allergic reaction
• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, or a corticosteroid to reduce It is a characteristic of allergic reactions in the nose, lungs, and skin."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Inflammation is the redness, swelling, heat and pain in a tissue due to chemical or physical injury, or to infection. It is a characteristic of allergic reactions in the nose, lungs, and skin.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>inflammation

Drug desensitization

If there is no suitable alternative to the antibiotic that you are allergic to, you will need to undergo drug desensitization. This involves taking the drug in increasing amounts until you can tolerate the needed dose with minimal side effects. This will most likely be done in a hospital so immediate medical care is available if problems develop.

Desensitization can help only if you are taking the drug every day. Once you stop it – for example, when a chemotherapy cycle ends – you will need to go through desensitization a second time if you need the drug again.

Penicillin Allergy

Nearly everyone knows someone who says they are allergic to penicillin. Up to 10% of people report being allergic to this widely used class of antibiotic, making it the most commonly reported drug allergy. That said, studies have shown that more than 90% of those who think they are allergic to penicillin, actually are not. In other words, 9 out of 10 people who think they have penicillin allergy are avoiding it for no reason. Even in people with documented allergy to penicillin, only about 20% are still allergic ten years after their initial allergic reaction.

Penicillin, famously discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, is prescribed today to treat a variety of conditions, such as strep throat. Despite its efficacy, some people steer clear of penicillin for fear of experiencing an allergic reaction to the medication.

Anyone who has been told they are penicillin allergic, but who hasn’t been tested by an allergist, should be tested. An allergist will work with you to find out if you’re truly allergic to penicillin, and to determine what your options are for treatment if you are. If you’re not, you’ll be able to use medications that are safer, often more effective and less expensive.

Penicillin Allergy Symptoms

Mild to moderate allergic reactions to penicillin are common, and symptoms may include any of the following:

• Hives (raised, extremely itchy spots that come and go over a period of hours)
• Tissue swelling under the skin, typically around the face (also known as angioedema)
• Throat tightness
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Trouble breathing

A less common but more serious, sudden-onset allergic reaction to penicillin is anaphylaxis, which occurs in highly sensitive patients. Anaphylaxis occurs suddenly, can worsen quickly and can be deadly. Symptoms of anaphylaxis might include not only skin symptoms, but also any of the following:

• Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, nose and lips
• Dizziness and fainting or loss of consciousness, which can lead to shock and heart failure

These symptoms require immediate attention at the nearest Emergency Room. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heart beats and thereby the work that can be done by the heart. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. Epinephrine has been produced synthetically as a drug since 1900. It remains the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>Epinephrine, the therapy of choice, will be given in this urgent care setting, but should also be self-administered via autoinjector as soon as possible by patients who have already been prescribed and are wisely carrying this device.

Penicillin Allergy Testing and Diagnosis

An allergist is your best resource to help you evaluate the safety of taking penicillin.

In addition to assessing your detailed history about a prior allergic reaction to penicillin, allergists administer skin tests to determine if a person is or remains allergic to the medication. These tests, which are conducted in an office or a hospital setting, typically take about two to three hours, including the time needed after testing to watch for reactions.

When safely and properly administered, skin tests involve pricking the skin, injecting a weakened form of the drug, and observing the patients reaction. People who pass penicillin skin tests by reacting negatively to the injection are seen as at low risk for an immediate acute reaction to the medication. The allergist might then give these individuals a single, full-strength oral dose to confirm the absence of a penicillin allergy.

Those with positive allergy skin tests should avoid penicillin and be treated with a different antibiotic. If penicillin is recommended, people in some cases can undergo penicillin desensitization to enable them to receive the medication in a controlled manner under the care of an allergist.

Penicillin Allergy Treatment

Those who have severe reactions to penicillin should seek emergency care, which may include an epinephrine injection and treatment to maintain blood pressure and normal breathing.

Individuals who have milder reactions and suspect that an allergy to penicillin is the cause may be treated with antihistamines or, in some cases, oral or injected corticosteroids, depending on the reaction. Visit an allergist to determine the right course of treatment.

If you were told you are allergic to penicillin but have never been tested, it’s time to see an allergist.

How to treat an allergic reaction: Treatment and home remedies

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Allergies are a common cause of illness and can occur at any stage in someone’s life. Numerous different things cause allergies from pollen to food to medication, meaning it is not always easy to know the best treatments or home remedies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 50 million Americans experience an allergic reaction each year, and the best treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the reaction.

In this article, we take a close look at a range of treatments for allergic reactions, depending on a person’s symptoms and their severity, including anaphylaxis.

Fast facts on treating an allergic reaction:

• Most minor allergy symptoms can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or decongestants.
• Saline nasal rinses can be used for congestion-related allergy symptoms.
• Corticosteroid creams can treat skin rashes related to allergies.
• Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment option for chronic allergy symptoms.
• Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and people should call 911 if they suspect someone is having an anaphylactic reaction.

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Share on PinterestMany people have allergies, which may cause symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.

An allergic reaction occurs when cells in the immune system interpret a foreign substance or allergen as harmful.

The immune system overreacts to these allergens and produces histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergy symptoms, such as inflammation, sneezing, and coughing.

Mild allergic reactions can usually be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

However, chronic allergies need treatment from a medical professional. Severe allergic reactions always require emergency medical care.

Many mild to moderate allergic reactions can be treated at home or with OTC medications. The following treatments are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can help to treat most minor allergic reactions regardless of the cause. These drugs reduce the body’s production of histamine, which reduces all symptoms, including sneezing, watering eyes, and skin reactions.

Second-generation antihistamines, including Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), are less likely to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl.

Antihistamines come in several forms, usually to help deliver the medication closer to the source of the reaction or make it easier to consume, such as:

• oral pills
• dissolvable tablets
• nasal sprays
• liquids
• eye drops

Antihistamines in these forms are available from pharmacies, to buy online, or on prescription from a doctor.

Antihistamines can also be taken to prevent allergies. Many people with seasonal or pet allergies will begin taking antihistamines when they know they are going to be exposed to an allergen.

A person who is pregnant or has a liver disorder should consult their doctor before taking antihistamines.

Nasal decongestants

Nasal decongestant pills, liquids, and sprays can also help reduce stuffy, swollen sinuses and related symptoms, such as a sore throat or coughing.

However, decongestant medications should not be taken continuously for more than 72 hours.

Nasal decongestants are available over the counter and online.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may also be used to help temporarily reduce pain, swelling, and cramping caused by allergies.

Avoid the allergen

The best way to treat and prevent allergic reactions is to know what triggers the reaction and stay away from it, especially food allergens.

When this is not possible or realistic, using antihistamines or decongestants when in contact with allergens can help to treat the symptoms.

Use a saline sinus rinse

Share on PinterestA saline sinus rinse may treat symptoms such as a runny or itchy nose.

When allergies cause sinus problems, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommend a person rinse their sinuses with saline. This can remove allergens and clear the airways.

The AAAAI recommend the following saline recipe:

• mix 3 teaspoons of salt (without iodide) with 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of boiled water
• dissolve the mixture in the water then use as a saline rinse

Sinus rinsing devices can be purchased online or from a pharmacy.

Treating environmental allergies

For airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust, and mold spores, additional treatment options include:

• throat lozenges with soothing ingredients, such as menthol, honey, or ginger
• shower and wash all clothing after being exposed to an allergen
• exercise for a few minutes to help reduce nasal congestion

Treating allergies on the skin

For allergic reactions that cause skin symptoms, including those associated with allergens found in animal saliva, poisonous plants, drugs, chemicals and metals, additional treatment options include:

• Topical corticosteroid creams or tablets. Corticosteroids contain steroids that reduce inflammation and itching. Mild forms of these creams can be found online, and a doctor can prescribe stronger versions.
• Moisturizing creams. Emollient creams with soothing ingredients, such as calamine can treat skin reactions.
• Bite or sting medication. Medication targeted to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites or stings have a similar effect to other allergy medications.
• Ice pack. Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to the area for 10- to 15-minute intervals can reduce inflammation.

Treating severe allergies

People should speak to a professional if they have or suspect that they have severe or chronic allergies.

A doctor or allergy specialist can prescribe medications that contain much stronger doses of the compounds found in OTC products.

Treatment options for chronic or severe allergies include:

• Immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Immunotherapy can be between 90 and 98 percent effective at reducing allergic reactions to insect stings, for instance.
• Prescription asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
• Oral cromolyn can be taken for food allergies.
• Drug desensitization therapy is used for specific allergens.

Many traditional medicine systems use herbal supplements and extracts to both treat and prevent allergic reactions, especially seasonal allergies.

Though there is little scientific evidence to support the use of most alternative or natural remedies, some people may find that some can provide relief from their symptoms.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians recommend the following natural treatments for allergies:

• Dietary changes. A low-fat diet high in complex carbohydrates, such as beans, whole grains, and vegetables may reduce allergy reactions.
• Bioflavonoids. These plant-based chemicals found in citrus fruits and blackcurrants may act as natural antihistamines. These can also be taken as supplements.
• Supplements. Flaxseed oil, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E are suggested to improve allergy symptoms.
• Acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments may help some people to find relief from their symptoms.

Share on PinterestAn EpiPen is designed to treat anaphylaxis, and should be used at the first sign of a severe allergc reaction.

A very severe allergic reaction can lead to a condition called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylaxis occurs when the body’s immune response to an allergen is so severe and sudden that the body goes into a state of shock.

Anaphylaxis can impact multiple organs and if left untreated lead to coma, organ failure, and death.

The early symptoms of anaphylaxis can be fairly mild and similar to those of minor to moderate allergic reactions, but they often rapidly worsen.

Symptoms unique to anaphylaxis include:

• unexplained anxiety
• tingling in the palms of the hand, soles of the feet, and lips
• swollen tongue, throat, mouth, and face
• difficulty breathing
• rapid but weak pulse
• low blood pressure
• sense of dread or doom
• vomiting or diarrhea
• confusion or disorientation
• loss of consciousness
• very pale or blue skin
• a heart attack

Anyone who suspects anaphylaxis should call 911 and seek emergency medical care.

If the person carries an EpiPen, which is a self-injectable dose of epinephrine that is designed to treat anaphylaxis, inject this into their thigh, as soon as possible.

First aid for anaphylaxis includes:

• try to keep the person calm
• the person may vomit, so turn them on their side and keep their mouth clear
• try to get the person to lay flat on their back with their feet raised about a foot above the ground
• make sure the person’s clothing is loose or remove constricting clothing
• do not give them anything to drink or eat, even if they ask for it
• if they are not breathing, practice CPR with around 100 firm chest compressions every minute until emergency services arrive

If a person does not have an EpiPen, a doctor or paramedic will give an injection of the hormone epinephrine, or adrenaline. This will immediately increase the output of the heart and blood flow throughout the body.

A person should seek medical care each time anaphylaxis occurs. Even if they start to feel better or their symptoms go away, a second severe allergic reaction can occur up to 12 hours after the initial response.

The symptoms associated with an allergic response depend on the specific allergen, how severe the allergy is, and whether a person has touched, swallowed, or inhaled the allergen.

Not everyone responds the same way to each allergen. But there are similar sets of symptoms most people experience when exposed to specific allergens.

Common symptoms associated with different type of allergens include:

Many people experience allergic reactions when they are exposed to specific allergens, ranging from pet dander and pollen to compounds in foods, drinks, and personal hygiene products.

The best way to treat an allergic reaction depends on the cause, though most minor cases can be treated with OTC antihistamine and anti-itch products.

A person should seek immediate medical attention for chronic or severe allergic reactions, especially those that involve swelling of the throat or changes in heart rate. Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency.

How to choose the best remedy for allergies – an article on the site Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

Allergy is a protective reaction of the immune system, aimed at combating substances foreign to the body. Symptoms of the disease are manifested due to the erroneous perception of a harmless foreign material as dangerous to the body. To get rid of such a reaction, you need to know what is best to take from allergies.

Allergy symptoms

The protective reaction of the body can cause severe discomfort or be dangerous to human life and health. The main symptoms of allergies include:

• sneezing, watery eyes, runny sinus discharge;

• dry cough, breathing becomes difficult and intermittent;

• shortness of breath caused by swelling of the respiratory system;

• rashes and redness on the skin, itching.

The best drug for allergies can block the effects of foreign bodies on the human body.

Classification of preparations

Allergy medicines are divided into 3 large groups. Classification is carried out according to the method of exposure:

• Antihistamines – block the formation of histamine in the human body. They are considered the best allergy medicine, as they act on the cause of the reaction, and do not eliminate the symptoms.

• Steroids – reduce the inflammatory process, are prescribed when the disease affects the human respiratory system.

• Decongestants – reduce swelling in the sinuses, are used as additional treatments aimed at relieving symptoms.

First generation drugs

The main active substance penetrates directly into the nervous system, which allows you to quickly stop the symptoms of the disease.

Pros:

Flaws:

• with prolonged use, they are addictive, therefore they are suitable only for a one-time removal of symptoms.

• cause an adverse reaction in the form of drowsiness, lethargy, headache.

The best 1st generation allergy pills:

• Diphenhydramine – used to provide quick relief during an attack, not suitable for children;

• Suprastin – in comparison with other drugs of the group, it has the least number of adverse reactions;

• Tavegil – the time of action of the active substance is 8 hours, which is much longer than other tablets belonging to the 1st generation.

Medicines of the 1st generation quickly act on the focus of the disease and help relieve allergy symptoms in the shortest possible time.

Second generation drugs

Antihistamines belonging to the 2nd generation are devoid of the shortcomings of the previous version of the drugs.

Pros:

• restore the immune system, can be used for a single dose or course therapy, are not addictive;

• do not cause adverse reactions of the body, characteristic of the 1st generation of drugs;

• block allergy symptoms for 24 hours.

Flaws:

When answering the question which allergy pills are better, it is worth considering the following 2nd generation drugs:

• Fenistil – available in the form of drops or gel, which allows you to take the drug orally or use it for local exposure;

• Claritin is a safe drug with a mild effect on the body. Suitable for children from 3 years old, adults and the elderly. Does not cause impaired concentration, drowsiness;

• Histalong – has a long-term effect, suitable for course treatment of the chronic form of the disease.

Medicines of the second group are an improved analogue of the first anti-allergy drugs.

3rd generation drugs

Officially, 3 generations of antihistamines do not exist. However, modern drugs of the second group are considered the best remedies for allergies today.

Pros:

• allowed for children, the elderly. Do not affect the cardiovascular system;

• have the least number of adverse reactions, are compatible with driving cars;

• the action occurs 2 hours after ingestion, lasts up to 48 hours.

Minuses:

Medicines of the 3rd generation:

• Zodak – the best drops for allergies, which quickly eliminate symptoms and act for 2 days. Also available in tablet form;

• Cetrin – effectively relieves swelling and other symptoms of the disease;

• Erius – the effect of the drug begins within a few minutes after ingestion, which allows you to quickly remove an allergic reaction.

It is impossible to single out the best allergy pills unambiguously. Each generation of drugs is used for different purposes. For course administration and elimination of symptoms, it is recommended to choose the latest generation of drugs. You can choose effective tablets or drops in consultation with your doctor.

Drug Allergy – Treatment in the multidisciplinary family clinic “K medicine”

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Diseases

drug allergy

Drug allergy – a disease characterized by the presence of a secondary reaction to drugs, accompanied by general or local clinical manifestations.

• Causes
• Symptoms of drug allergy
• Diagnostics
• Treatment of drug allergy
• Diet
• Danger
• Prophylaxis

The most common allergen medications:

• preparations of the penicillin group
• sulfa drugs;
• barbiturates;
• insulin;
• various vaccines;
• anticonvulsants;
• preparations for hyperthyroidism.

Reasons

The causes of drug allergies are:

• prolonged and frequent use of certain drugs;
• hereditary predisposition;
• fungal diseases of the skin;
• allergic diseases (hay fever, bronchial asthma).

When taking drugs inside, the likelihood of developing allergic reactions is lower than with intramuscular injection and intravenous administration of drugs.

Drug allergy symptoms

Symptoms characteristic of a drug allergy that appear immediately after taking the medicine are:

• cough, respiratory failure;
• sneezing, itching of the nasal mucosa, discharge, nasal congestion;
• rash with itching;
• anaphylactic shock (loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest).

Symptoms after a few days:

• thrombocytopenia;
• fever;
• allergic vasculitis and purpura;
• polyarthritis;
• lymphadenopathy;
• lesions of internal organs (allergic hepatitis, nephritis, etc. ).

If you experience similar symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

Make an appointment with highly qualified specialists

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of drug allergy is carried out by an allergist, for which he prescribes:

• complete blood count;
• analysis of nasal mucus and sputum;
• immunogram;
• rhinoscopy;
• provocative and skin tests.

Additional diagnostics can be assigned:

• fecal analysis;
• abdominal ultrasound;
• endoscopic examinations.

Full diagnostics and treatment can be done in any modern allergology center.

Treatment of drug allergy

Treatment required for drug allergies includes:

• antihistamines;
• topical glucocorticosteroids;
• nasal vasoconstrictors;
• immunotherapy.

The first step is to exclude the drug that causes an allergic reaction.

Diet

Because people with drug allergies often also have food allergies, a restrictive diet is recommended:

• sugar;
• honey;
• candies;
• confectionery.

From the diet are completely excluded:

• fancy products;
• products containing food colorings and food additives;
• pickling, smoking, pickles;
• liver, kidneys, brains;
• canned food;
• cocoa, chocolate;
• alcoholic beverages.

Danger

If it is not established in a timely manner how to treat drug allergies, this can lead to swelling of the upper respiratory tract and death.

Prophylaxis

In order not to face the question of how to cure drug allergies in the future, it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking medications.