Antibiotic & Other
Drug Allergic Reactions
Any drug you take has the potential to cause an adverse reaction such as a rash or nausea. About 5 to 10 percent of adverse reactions are allergic reactions. The Board Certified Allergists/Immunologists of Allergy & Asthma Specialists provide specialized testing to determine if a patient is drug allergic. The most common patient seen for drug testing has had an adverse reaction to an antibiotic that has since been avoided.
Drug allergic reactions:
- Occur within hours to two weeks after taking the drug
- Typically occur after taking a medication that has been taken in the past
- Antibiotics are the most common cause of an allergic reaction
- Are the most serious type of adverse reaction because it can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis
Symptoms of an Adverse Reaction include:
- Cough
- Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
- High Blood Pressure
- Facial Swelling
Symptoms of a Drug Allergic Reaction include:
- Rash
- Hives
- Joint Swelling
- Throat Tightness or Swelling
- Anaphylaxis
Signs of ANAPHYLAXIS, a life-threatening allergic reaction:
Call 911 if you experience any ONE of these reactions:
- Hoarseness, throat tightness, or a lump in the throat
- Wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing
- Tingling in the hands, feet, lips or scalp
Examination
Your examination at A&AS will include an extensive medical history and selected skin tests to verify the suspected drug allergy. If positive, alternative drug options will be discussed. If skin tests indicate that a drug allergy may not exist, a drug challenge may be performed in the safe environment of the office. The confirmation that a drug allergy does not exist allows the use of an important treatment option in the future.