Drug allergies

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Allergic reactions to medication	Anaphylaxis	Antibodies	Dermatitis, contact
Dermatitis, pustular contact	Drug rash, Tegretol	Drug rash on the back	Fixed drug eruption
Fixed drug eruption, bullous	Fixed drug eruption on the cheek	Hives

Allergic reaction - drug (medication)

• Hives (common)
• Skin rash (common)
• Itching of the skin or eyes (common)
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction (see below)

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing with wheeze or hoarse voice
• Hives over different parts of the body
• Fainting , light-headedness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Rapid pulse
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping

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.

Review Date: 08/03/2005
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.