Drug Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you ever noticed you felt worse instead of better after taking a medication, perhaps you’re suffering from drug allergies. In fact, millions of people are impacted by drug allergies worldwide, which makes it a significant medical concern globally. And this allergic response triggers several symptoms that may be mild rashes or certain severe reactions.

Read this article to learn about drug allergies, their causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.

A drug allergy typically occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a medication as harmful and overreacts to it. The side effects are predictable; on the other hand, allergies are quite unpredictable and might include an immune response. While it can affect anyone, it is more likely to occur in people who have a genetic history of drug allergies or are experiencing other kinds of allergies too. In fact, according to a study, almost 5-10 percent of adverse drug reactions are due to true drug allergies.

Some of the common causes that trigger drug allergies include

Penicillin and other similar drugs are a common reason behind 90 percent of all drug allergies.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, also trigger allergic responses.

Although reactions as a response to vaccines are quite rare, they can still occur due to components such as preservatives or egg proteins.

Medications for epilepsy, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, are also potential allergy triggers.

From mild to severe, it typically takes a few minutes to a few days to notice symptoms due to drug allergies. Here are some common symptoms of drug allergies:

In severe cases, the symptoms may include

Drug allergies can be diagnosed by analyzing family history and conducting some medical tests, including skin and blood tests. Once confirmed, the best approach is to discontinue the drug causing the reaction.

For relief, the doctor may recommend certain medications such as antihistamines to reduce itching and rashes and corticosteroids for inflammation and swelling. In severe situations such as anaphylaxis, epinephrine is induced. 

In circumstances where the drugs are medically essential, desensitizing is recommended by a gradual increase in dosage under medical supervision, which can make your body tolerate the medication.

Drug allergies can easily be managed by being a little cautious and taking the right precautions. After all, your health is your top priority, and so is understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of drug allergies; it  is your first step towards reducing the risk of allergic responses to certain allergens. If you notice severe reactions, immediately visit your doctor.