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What does it mean to have a Drug allergy?

June 19, 2008

A Drug allergy is not the same as a “side effect”:
Anything you put into your body has the potential to cause side effects- these are symptoms that are induced by the drug/chemical/herb that are usually predictable, documented and usually listed on the outside of the bottle. In the summer, for example, children taking antibiotics have an increased sensitivity to the sun, and risk of sunburn. This is a known side effect, not an allergy.

Drug allergies are different: they are unpredictable, less common and the result of an immune response that your body has to the drug. The first time your child takes a medicine they may appear to tolerate it well but their immune system may be internally developing a sensitivity to the chemical. Then the next time he or she takes the same medication, their immune system is geared up to recognize that medication, and the reaction is known as an allergic reaction- one that is immune mediated and can cause significant distress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to look for:

If your child is allergic to a medication, the signs and symptoms may not appear for a few days or even a few weeks.

HIVES: The most common reaction is hives, also known as “urticaria” which are red raised up lumps on the skin- they are larger than “prickly heat” and can be varying in size. They rarely hurt, but are usually very itchy.

SWELLING: A more severe version of the skin-based allergic reaction is known as “angioedema”, which is swelling or hives near your child’s mouth, deeper under the skin, or involving the lips.

WHEEZING: If the allergic reaction involves your child’s respiratory system, your child may begin wheezing or coughing.

The treatment for non-life threatening allergic reactions is most importantly to stop taking the medication. Sometimes, your child’s doctor will recommend Benadryl or other antihistamines to break the immune response. If stronger medications are required, your doctor will prescribe Corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone.

ANAPHYLAXIS: A Life-threatening allergic reaction:
This reaction usually occurs immediately-within minutes to hours after exposure to the drug:
Your child will develop the hives and wheezing as well as lip swelling, facial swelling and difficulty breathing. Usually he or she will have a drop in blood pressure that makes them feel faint and make their heart race. Occasionally they will feel nautious and even vomit.

Anaphylaxis requires a call to 911 and immediate treatment with epinephrine and other emergency care. If your child has an anaphylactic reaction or other severe drug reaction he or she must wear a medical alert bracelet .

How to evaluate:
There are not allergy tests currently available for all drugs, but a specialized lab may be able to identify antibodies to specific drugs, especially the more common causes of allergic reactions such as penicillin. Certainly, this option should be discussed with your child’s doctor, and the potential need to carry an epipen or other emergency care should be reviewed.

Posted by NatalieGeary | Filed Under Dr Geary 

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