Drug Allergy Treatment

Side effects to drugs are common, and many people may experience an adverse reaction when taking almost any drug. These side effects can range from the very minor or at least mild reactions such as nausea and headaches, to the most severe medical conditions and even death. These side effects cannot, however, be classified as drug allergies. A person with a drug allergy will have an allergic reaction after taking a particular medication, or family of drugs. As with all true allergies, this is caused initially by the body overreacting to the unknown substance and creating an aggressive immune systems response to what it sees as a threat. In subsequent episodes of taking the drug, the body will attempt to fight the drug with histamine and production of antibodies.

Some of the most common minor signs of drug allergy are skin rashes, hives, and itching of the eyes or the skin. More severe symptoms include asthmatic attacks, wheezing, swelling up of the face and anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). However, similar side effects can occur without an allergic reaction. If you are unsure of whether or not you have a drug allergy you should consult your family doctor or GP for advice. Many people confuse an adverse reaction to a drug which is usually quite harmless with a real drug allergy that could be fatal, so it is important to clarify whether or not you are actually allergic to a specific substance. Anaphylaxis can also result in the patient losing consciousness or becoming dizzy and fainting, palpitations and rapid pulse rate, confusion and vomiting.

Probably the most common drugs that people have problems with are antibiotics, especially Penicillin. This drug allergy can be so dangerous that many people choose to wear a medical locket with their allergy information inside. This enables doctors to see this information even if the patient is unconscious so they do not inadvertently administer an antibiotic causing an allergic reaction. Some other drugs known to commonly cause allergic reactions are Anticonvulsants, Iodine, anesthetics such as Novocain, and some preparations of Insulin.

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Although testing is not always possible for all types of drug, a simple skin test can determine whether or not you are allergic to Penicillin so this should always be carried out by your doctor if you suspect an allergy. Sometimes, the fact that an allergic reaction occurs after taking a particular medication may be all the proof available (or required) to confirm a drug allergy. Usually a drug allergy treatment will consist mainly of antihistamines and other common methods of fighting any allergy.