Allergic Reaction to a Medication
Alternate Names : Drug Allergy, Medication Allergy
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment includes measures to control the symptoms
until the medicine is out of the bloodstream. Antihistamines are
used to relieve rash,
hives, and itching. Prednisone or other
steroids
are also used to keep more serious symptoms in check. These medicines can be
taken orally
or applied to the skin.
Asthma
symptoms can be controlled with medications to open the airways. Injections of
the medication epinephrine are used to treat severe allergic reactions.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antihistamines can cause
drowsiness. Prednisone can cause stomach problems,
sleep problems, and mood swings. These side effects are generally very mild.
Medications used to open the airways can cause shakiness and abnormal heart
rate. These tend to be mild. Epinephrine can cause significant anxiety and
shakiness, as well as an abnormal heart rate. This medication is often
administered in the provider's office or in the emergency department.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Once a person has had an allergic reaction to a medication, he or she
should avoid that medication. Also, a person should always inform
healthcare providers of any medication allergy. People with severe reactions
should carry medical alert cards or wear
ID bracelets. These devices help inform providers of the allergy in emergency
situations.
It is important not to report a side effect as an
allergy. People who have had side effects from medicines may safely take them
again if they are seriously ill and need that particular medicine. Generally,
medicines to which a person is allergic will be avoided except in
life-threatening diseases for which there are no other effective
treatments.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or
worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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