Allergic Reaction to a Medication
Alternate Names : Drug Allergy, Medication Allergy
An allergic reaction to a medication is an unintended immune response to the
medication. Symptoms can vary from a mild rash to shortness of breath to death.
It is important to understand the difference between a medication allergy and
a side effect caused by a medication.
What is going on in the body?
An allergic reaction
occurs
when a person's immune system reacts to the presence of a foreign substance. It
is an attempt by the body to get rid of the substance. In the case
of an allergic reaction to a medication, this response is harmful. It sometimes
causes serious symptoms.
Side effects are adverse events that happen to a person as a result
of taking a particular medicine. Side effects that are common to medicines
include nausea,
diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and lightheadedness. In some cases, these
will subside even if a person continues to take the medication.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
An allergic reaction does not usually occur the first time a person is exposed
to the medication. It is only after the body learns to recognize the substance
that an immune system reaction is triggered. Almost any medicine can cause a
reaction. However, allergic reactions are quite rare considering the number of
over-the-counter medicines and
medications that are commonly prescribed.
Medications that are most likely to produce adverse reactions include the
following:
anticonvulsants, which are used to treat seizures
barbiturates, which are used to provide sedation
iodine, which is used in antiseptics and contrast media for some X-ray
tests
novocaine and similar
anesthetics
penicillin and related antibiotics, such as amoxicillin
sulfa medications, which are also antibiotics
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