Causes Of Drug Allergy

A drug allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as if it were a harmful substance instead of a remedy. Your immune system creates antibodies to attack the drug then. The chemicals released by these antibodies cause the signs and symptoms associated with allergic reactions.

It is unclear why some people develop allergies to medicines or other adverse drug reactions and not others. Heritable traits can play a role, with environmental factors and take a number of drugs over time.

Allergy to antibiotics

The most common drug allergy is caused by penicillin antibiotics closely related to penicillin and antibiotics containing sulfa. Antibiotics can also cause non-allergic reactions such as skin rashes and digestive problems.

Vaccine allergy

Rarely, allergic reactions after vaccination. In some cases, allergic reactions can be caused by the vaccine itself, but more often an allergic reaction is caused by the other vaccine components such as egg or neomycin. Allergic reactions to vaccines are common, but in most cases are mild and symptoms improve quickly.

Side effects in non-allergic

In most cases, there seems to be a drug allergy is a reaction that does not involve the immune system. While they may seem like an allergy, most often side effects is a side effect of drugs or evidence of sensitivity to drugs - not an allergic reaction.

Examples of drugs that commonly cause allergic reactions are:

X-ray contrast medium. Some people are sensitive to intravenous (IV) is used instead of X-rays in some tests. This reaction can cause itching, redness, and decreased blood pressure.

Aspirin and other NSAIDs. In some people, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others), and others may cause breathing difficulties, skin rashes and itching wheezing.

Antibiotics. Some antibiotics often cause reactions such as upset stomach or diarrhea.

High blood pressure medications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) can sometimes result in swelling of the lips, tongue and face.