Most drug allergies cause minor skin rashes and hives. However, other symptoms occasionally develop and life-threatening acute allergic reaction involving the whole body can occur. Serum sickness is a delayed type of drug allergy that occurs a week or more after exposure to a medication or vaccine.

Causes In general, adverse reactions to drugs are not uncommon, and almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. Reactions range from irritating or mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting to life-threatening anaphylaxis. True drug allergies occur when there is an allergic reaction to a medication. The first time you take the drug, your immune system launches an incorrect response against a substance that is harmless in most people. The second or next time you take the drug, an immune response occurs, and your body produces antibodies and histamine.

What are the symptoms of medication / drug allergy? The signs and symptoms of drug allergy can involve the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract (digestive system). ·Skin symptoms include itching, flushing, and hives. ·Gastrointestinal (digestive system) symptoms include tingling and burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. ·Respiratory symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, throat swelling, wheezing and / or difficulty breathing. ·Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to medications / drugs may cause a person to lose consciousness and stop breathing. Call 911 immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis.

·Occasionally, allergic-like reactions to drugs may take several days to develop and may include other symptoms such a fever, joint aches, and rashes. (Such reactions are not due to IgE but to other immune reactions so “allergic reaction” is used more colloquially.)

Signs and tests An examination of the skin and face may show hives, rash, or angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue). Decreased blood pressure, wheezing, and other signs may indicate an anaphylactic reaction. Skin testing may confirm allergy to penicillin-type medications. Testing may be ineffective (or in some cases, dangerous) for other medications. A history of allergic-type reaction after use of a medication is often considered proof enough of drug allergy -- no further testing is required. The same applies to other substances that are not considered drugs but are used in hospitals, such as x-ray contrast dyes.

Prevention There is no known way to prevent development of a drug allergy. If you have a known drug allergy, avoiding the medication is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. You may also be told to avoid similar medicines. For example, if you are allergic to penicillin, you should also avoid amoxicillin or ampicillin. In some cases, a doctor may approve use of a drug that causes an allergy if you are pre-treated with corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine). Do not try this without a doctor's supervision.

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