Drug Allergy Treatment Doctor Q&A

Certain medications are known to cause allergies, in particular penicillin, with 8 percent of Americans reporting this allergy; other antibiotics can also cause an allergic reaction, such as sulfonamides and tetracyclines. Antibiotic allergies most commonly occur in adults between the ages of 20 and 49 years old; beta-lactam antibiotic allergies are twice as likely to affect women as they are men.

Other common drug allergies include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sulfa drugs
• Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs)
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)

Symptoms of a drug allergy can occur when the body’s immune system becomes sensitized to a substance in the medication; when it perceives the drug as a foreign invader, the body releases chemicals to defend against it. These chemicals, including histamines, are the culprits behind allergic reactions and their symptoms.

Common symptoms of a drug allergy include:

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Wheezing or other breathing problems
• Swelling
• Anaphylaxis

Reactions can occur in any part of the body, from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet.

A drug allergy can develop if the body’s immune system detects it as a threat and produces antibodies against that specific drug. This might not occur right away; the first time a person takes the medicine, there may be no problems at all. However, if an individual’s immune system produces antibodies against that drug, the next time it is taken, the antibodies may tell the white blood cells to make a chemical called histamine, which, among other chemicals, causes allergy symptoms. Most side effects of drugs are not due to an allergic reaction caused by the formation of IgE antibodies, like how aspirin can cause hives or trigger asthma without involving the immune system. It is easy to confuse unpleasantly, but not seriously, the side effects of a medicine (such as nausea) with a drug allergy, so it is important to receive a professional diagnosis.

The time it takes for a rash to appear after taking antibiotics depends on the type of antibiotic, the severity of the allergy, and the overall health of the individual. After a person with an allergy to antibiotics first takes the medication, a rash—characterized by small, flat, pink spots in a symmetrical pattern—typically appears around 3 to 10 days later, although it can occur at any time. The rash cannot spread from person to person and usually begins to fade after 3 days; however, it can take up to six days to fully disappear. People allergic to antibiotics may also develop hives, which appear as raised, red bumps that can come and go; they can also change location and are usually very itchy.
 
If you or someone you love has a drug allergy, the allergy specialists at Primary Care Center can help you find relief. Contact us today or book an appointment with our drug allergy treatment doctor. We have convenient locations to serve you in Webster and Pasadena, TX. We serve patients from Webster TX, Pasadena TX, South Houston TX, Brookwood TX, Seabrook TX, Bacliff TX, and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!