What are the drug allergy symptoms?
Drug allergy reactions can occur in any part of the body. Drug allergy symptoms often include the following:- Itching and enanthesis
- Headache, dizziness
- Constipation, stuffiness in nose
- Respiratory affection, labored breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue and throat
- Anaphylactic shock (an extremely severe allergic reaction that can lead to death)
It is important to keep in mind that the symptoms can occur in varying degrees of severity and may develop immediately or some time after taking the medication. If you suspect a drug allergy, it is important to see your doctor immediately for evaluation and appropriate decisions. What drugs cause allergy?
Drug allergy can be provoked by a variety of medications, but the most common allergy triggers are the following:- Anaesthetics (Articaine, Mepivacaine, Novocaine, Lidocaine, etc.)
- X-ray contrast agents (Iodixanol, Iopromide, etc.)
- Penicillin and related antibiotics
- Cephalosporin antibiotics (Cefazolin, Ceftriaxone, etc.)
- Sulphonamides antibiotics (Co-trimoxazole)
- Anticonvulsants
- Acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Chemotherapeutic drugs
The most frequently tested drugs in the OLYMP CDL
Local anesthetics:
Lidocaine, Novocaine, Articaine, Mepivacaine
Antibiotics:
Ceftriaxone, Cefazolin, Cefuroxime
X-ray contrast agents:
Iodixanol, Iopromide.
General Anesthetic Drugs:
Propofol, Rocuronium bromide, Pipecuronium bromide
CAST-testIn our treatment rooms, you always have the opportunity to test for allergies to certain drugs with the CAST test.
FAQ
Can I be allergic to a medication to which I have not been allergic before?
- Yes, allergic reactions can occur for the first time even after repeated use of a medicine. Sometimes allergies can develop after a long break in the use of the drug.
Can other drugs cause allergies when a person is allergic to a certain medication?
- Yes, other drugs can also cause an allergic reaction, especially if they contain similar active ingredients or similar components. It is important to diagnose allergic reactions to all suspected drugs to avoid possible negative reactions and to select safe alternatives.
What are some risk factors for developing a drug allergy?
- Individual predisposition. Some people have a higher propensity for allergic reactions because of their genetic inheritance;
- Previous allergic reactions to certain drugs;
- Past anaphylactic reactions;
- Asthma and other allergic diseases;
- Frequent use of medications;
- Peculiarities of the immune system. Some immune system disorders can increase the risk of allergic reactions to drugs.
What preparations are required for the test?
- Refraining from eating 8-12 hours before the test;
- Exclude administration of cyclosporine-A and systemic glucocorticosteroids;
- A sample of the drug should be submitted to the treatment room for further testing;
- Drugs are only taken in liquid form (solutions for injection in ampoules/flasks/syringes, vials with dry substance (antibiotics), carpules (anaesthetics));
- Tablets, capsules, pills, suspensions, syrups, gels, ointments, creams are not taken.
How to interpret the test result?
- If the Basophil Activation Index exceeds a value of 1.20, it indicates a high risk of allergy to the tested drug.
Example of a test result form for a patient with a confirmed allergy to Articaine hydrochloride 4%:
