Drug allergy

/symptomsIn a drug allergy, the body shows allergic reactions to certain ingredients that are found in Medicines. It can occur as an immediate-type allergy (type I) or as a delayed-type allergy (type IV). Medicines can also cause contact allergy if, if they come into contact with the skin externally. Here, however, the symptoms are limited to the corresponding skin areas.</speakable> Allergy to medications is often difficult to distinguish from adverse side effects and interactions with and interactions with other drugs. Only in the case of a true allergy does the immune system react to an active substance with excessive defense. The diagnosis is not easy to put, because instead of a medicine allergy also an incompatibility can be behind the complaints.

Eine Arzneimittelallergie kann sich auf sehr unterschiedliche Weise äußern, abhängig von Inhaltsstoff und Anwendungsgebiet. Bei der äußerlichen Verwendung von Salben oder Cremes reagiert meist die Haut auf den Stoff, durch die Einnahme von Tabletten oder eine Injektion können die Symptome im ganzen Körper auftreten. Hinweise auf eine Allergie können sein:

• juckender Hautausschlag 
• Quaddeln
• Pusteln
• Nesselsucht
• Schwellungen
• Rötung und Schwellung im Gesicht
• erwärmte Stellen auf der Haut
• allergischer Schnupfen 
• allergische Bindehautentzündung 
• allergisches Asthma 
• Jucken im Mund- und Rachenraum
• Schluckbeschwerden
• Verengung der Atemwege
• Atemnot 
• schneller Puls
• Herzrasen
• innere Unruhe
• Schweißausbrüche
• Kopfschmerzen
• allgemeines Unwohlsein
• Übelkeit
• Erbrechen
• Durchfall
• Bauchkrämpfe
• Blutdruckabfall

Die Beschwerden können wenige Minuten oder Stunden nach Anwendung des Medikaments auftreten. Die Symptome können lebensgefährlich sein und einen anaphylaktischen Schock auslösen, deshalb ist schnelles Handeln angesagt! Rufen Sie bei Atemnot, Schweißausbrüchen oder Herzrasen unbedingt einen Notarzt!

In principle, the body can react allergically to any medication. Trigger can be a specific active ingredient, but also additives and auxiliary materials. Also a metabolic product, which results from the taking of medicines in the body can also lead to an allergic reaction. However, there are some medications that are particularly likely to trigger a drug allergy. These include:

- Antibiotics, e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins.

- Painkillers, e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acetaminophen.

- Contrast agents

- Agents to lower blood pressure, e.g., ACE inhibitors 

- Anesthetics.

- Antithrombotic agents (heparin).

- insulin - Chemotherapy drugs

- Antiepileptic drugs, e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproate

- Medications for gout.

Decisive for the expression of allergy symptoms is the dose. Injections usually trigger more violent Reactions than taking tablets with low dosage. In addition, a cross-allergy to substances with similar allergen structure may occur.

The duration of an allergic reaction depends on how severe it is, or how long the medication remains in the body. A mild rash usually subsides after a few hours.

But if the body needs longer to break down the allergy-causing substance, the symptoms can last even days. Medications with antihistamines or cortisone-like agents can reduce the discomfort.

If the allergy to certain substances is already known, medications with the corresponding ingredient should be avoided at all costs. If the allergy symptoms occur for the first time or if medications containing the allergy trigger have been taken by mistake, antihistamines or cortisone-like agents can help with acute treatment. In severe cases, the doctor will place an injection with the allergy antidotes. For many agents, there are more tolerable alternatives. Before any necessary treatment, inform the doctor of your allergies so that he or she can adjust and replace the medications used to treat illnesses accordingly.

Most people are not even aware that they are allergic to certain medications, as they have never come into contact with them before. But if the emergency has come and the intake of a drug is necessary, an allergic reaction can quickly lead to complications. In order to distinguish an allergy from mere side effects, the doctor can carry out an allergy test . A blood test can also show whether IgE antibodies are present, indicating an allergy. It is usually performed in addition to the skin test to confirm the diagnosis.

However, both tests do not always provide conclusive results, as not all ingredients of medications can be tested. Under medical supervision, there is the possibility of a provocation test, in which the patient is specifically confronted with the possible trigger.

If a drug allergy can actually be proven by the examinations, the patient receives an allergy card, which he should always carry with him. Because especially in emergency situations, for example after an accident or in case of unconsciousness, doctors should be informed immediately of the allergy to specific drugs