Allergic reaction - drug (medication); Drug hypersensitivity; Medication hypersensitivity

• Anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction (see below)
• Hives
• Itching of the skin or eyes (common)
• Skin rash (common)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• Wheezing

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing with wheeze or hoarse voice
• Dizziness
• Fainting, lightheadedness
• Hives over different parts of the body
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rapid pulse
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)

An examination of the skin and face may show hives, rash, or angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue). Decreased blood pressure, wheezing, and other signs may indicate an anaphylactic reaction.

Skin testing may help diagnose allergy to penicillin-type medications. Unfortunately, there are no good skin or blood tests to help diagnose other drug allergies. If you have had allergy-like symptoms after taking a medicine or receiving contrast (dye) before getting an x-ray, your doctor will often tell you that this proof that you have a drug allergy. No further testing is required.

Images

Dermatitis, contact

Allergic reactions to medication

Antibodies

Hives

Drug rash, Tegretol

Fixed drug eruption, bullous

Anaphylaxis

Fixed drug eruption

Fixed drug eruption on the cheek

Dermatitis, pustular contact

Drug rash on the back

Previous Section

Drug allergies Overview

Next Section

Drug allergies Treatment

Review Date: 06/29/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Paula J. Busse, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)