Question 1

what's a drug allergy like?

Accepted Answer

Much more than U ask: There are 4 different types of medication allergy and also there are side effect reactions. Type 1- allergic type. Hives, itching, sneezing,  wheezing and shock are different forms of this allergy.Type 2-complement related angioedema, swelling type 3 is immune complexes. That is clumps of antibodies with the drug which clog small capilaries in kidneys, joints, skin 
type 4 is cell-contact dernatiti.

Question 2

what are symptoms of a real drug allergy?

Accepted Answer

Rash and anaphylaxis: The most common allergic reaction to a drug is a rash.  In severe cases this is accompanied by breathing trouble and could even be life-threatening anaphylaxis.  Stomach upset is a common side effect and is not likely to be a true allergy.  However, it is still important to let your doctor know this.

Question 3

how long does it take for a drug allergy to clear?

Accepted Answer

Depends on drug: From immediatly to weeks or months depending on drug the dose and route of administration.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: drug allergy?

Accepted Answer

Reactions to a drug: A drug allergy occurs when a person is sensitive to a medicine.  Signs of allergy can include itching, rashes, breathing problems and even life threatening problems like low blood pressure and anaphylaxis.  Hepatitis can occur with severe drug allergies.  It is imperative to stop the drug causing the allergy.

Question 5

how do i overcome a drug allergy?

Accepted Answer

Tricky: Medication reactions can be tricky as the type of reaction can be intolerance vs allergic.  Avoidance is the best treatment for a drug allergy and using a suitable alternative.  In a life threatening circumstance, desensitization by an allergist in the hospital is an option.  Sometimes drug allergy can resolve over time such as penicillin.  An allergist can assist in a good long term plan.

Question 6

what is the reason for developing drug allergy ?

Accepted Answer

Great question!: We don't know "why" people develop drug allergies, as there are many potential causes.  Frequent exposure or prolonged use is one trigger - and this is seen with certain types of chemotherapy.  Many factors, including genetic risks, other medications, and propensity for allergy probably play a role as well.

Question 7

if you're allergic to a drug have a drug allergy can you outgrow it as you get older for instance i'm allergic to phenobarbital?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: There are some allergies that resolve as you grow older. For instance some people can get improvement in their response to certain medications as they get older, or further away from the initial exposure. This may be due to a calming of the inflammatory response as you age. However, if you were my patient i would not give you a medication that you were allergic to as the risk is too high.

Question 8

what should i do for drug allergy rash?

Accepted Answer

Drug rash: Treatment of a drug eruption depends on the specific type of reaction. Therapy for exanthematous drug eruptions is supportive in nature. First-generation antihistamines are used 24 h/d. Mild topical steroids (eg, hydrocortisone, desonide) and moisturizing lotions are also used, especially during the late desquamative phase. And stop taking the offending drug.

Question 9

how can i tell if i have hives or a drug allergy?

Accepted Answer

Subtle: hives can occur as part of an allergy syndrome.  people with chronic hives or who have an inborn low threshold for hives have difficulty differentiating simple hives from drug allergy.  If the drug reaction is IgE-mediated, or occurs via a similar pathway without IgE, then one would expect additional symptoms other than hives (breathing problem, dizzy, nausea, swelling, headache, etc)

Question 10

can my unborn child be harmed if i have a drug allergy?

Accepted Answer

No: Having a drug allergy is only a problem if you are exposed to the  drug. If there is a severe drug allergy during pregnancy there is a potential for a problem. Avoid the drug to which you are allergic.

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Doctor answers about:

Drug allergy

A member asked:

What's a drug allergy like?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of a real drug allergy?

A member asked:

How long does it take for a drug allergy to clear?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: drug allergy?

A member asked:

How do i overcome a drug allergy?

A member asked:

What is the reason for developing drug allergy ?

A member asked:

If you're allergic to a drug have a drug allergy can you outgrow it as you get older for instance i'm allergic to phenobarbital?

A member asked:

What should i do for drug allergy rash?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i have hives or a drug allergy?

A member asked:

Can my unborn child be harmed if i have a drug allergy?

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