The topic Drug Hypersensitivity you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Drug Allergy.

Quick Summary:

• Drug Allergy is a common condition that manifests as an abnormal immune reaction/response to certain drugs that may be administered orally or intravenously. It is observed in both children and adults
• The common allergy-causing medications and drugs include the following:
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Chemotherapy agents
  • Sulfonamide antibiotic drugs
  • Insulin, especially those that are animal-based
  • Contrast dyes (iodine-based) used in radiological studies
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that include aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
  • Antibiotics belonging to the penicillin family; it is the most common type of Drug Allergy noted
• The medications may be in tablet form, liquid form, or injected form. A Drug Allergy may occur immediately, or within 1-2 hours following exposure to the drug. The condition may be mild, moderate, or severe
• Numerous signs and symptoms of the allergic reaction may be noted including skin rashes and hives, sneezing, breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion. In some individuals, Drug Allergy may lead to an anaphylactic shock, which is a medical emergency
• Drug Allergies are generally difficult to be diagnosed. A skin-prick test or an oral drug challenge test is normally used in the diagnosis. The diagnosis can also help identify the specific drug (allergen) and group of drugs containing the allergen that are to be avoided
• Anti-allergic medications form the first line of treatment for mild cases of Drug Allergies. Intravenous corticosteroid therapy may be necessary to reduce inflammation. However, in the case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), epinephrine injections are recommended
• The prognosis of Drug Allergy may be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but in most cases, it is generally good. Some individuals overcome the condition over time (after many years)

• Many individuals sometimes confuse medication side effects with Drug Allergies. It is important to distinguish between a side effect to a drug and a Drug Allergy.

  • A side effect is usually caused as an unintended reaction to a drug. Usually, this is not life-threatening and may include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. It is the effect of the drug on the body and an attribute of the drug. Many of the side effects are expected
  • Drug Allergies, on the other hand, are caused by the reaction of a body’s immune system to a medication. It can result in potentially life-threatening symptoms. It is the attribute of the specific individual
  • Mild Drug Allergy symptoms may include skin rashes and hives, whereas severe symptoms include breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and palpitations
  • Drug side effects may include nausea and vomiting or asthma-like symptoms. But, if skin symptoms, breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal symptoms, etc. are observed following ingestion of the drug, then it is mostly an allergic reaction to the medication
  • Side effects of a drug are usually mentioned on the drug label. Complications arising from side effects are usually forewarned to the patients, whereas Drug Allergies are often unexpected
  • Sometimes, the signs and symptoms related to drug side effects and Drug Allergies may be overlapping. It is better to always consult a healthcare provider, in case of a confusion between the two

• Also, a Drug Allergy should not be confused with drug toxicity, which is caused by an overdose of the medication.

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