ABC of knowledge about drug allergies
There is a family predisposition to drug allergies. The frequency of drug allergies increases with age, so we can all expect to develop allergies for an average of 2 or 3 medications. Often drugs are overused, i.e. they are served just in case, despite the lack of clear indications.
How long can you experience sensitization after taking the medicine?
The time required to produce overreactivity is 1-3 weeks, and never occurs after the first taking of a new drug. The symptoms of drug allergies are diverse and may affect many organs at the same time:
♦ eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes, such as pruritus, urticaria, edema, various skin eruptions. They can occur anywhere, but most often include the face and cleavage.
♦ with allergic eczema, a photoallergic reaction can coexist, that is, skin symptoms can be caused or exacerbated by the sun's rays. Such symptoms may result in penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides and quinidine;
♦ drug-induced fever - it may be accompanied by skin eruptions or be the only symptom of sensitization. It usually appears on the seventh to the tenth day from the beginning of the medicine and quickly disappears after it has been discontinued,
♦ from the respiratory system - pulmonary edema, inflammation or bronchospasm - eg after disodium cromoglycan, hydrochlorothiazide, aspirin,
♦ liver side reactions - stagnation of bile or damage to liver cells - eg after antiepileptic drugs, erythromycin, gold salts - usually disappear completely after discontinuation of the drug,
♦ kidney problems - for example, gold, penicillin, anti-inflammatory drugs,
♦ enlargement of lymph nodes,
♦ hematological disorders,
♦ anaphylactic reaction - no. after penicillin, anesthetic drugs.
bow. med. Marta Wysocka
. Warning!
Drugs are also added to food to prevent its spoiling (eg penicillin derivatives in milk, quinine for certain drinks such as tonics.
. more information in the article - Causes and symptoms of drug allergies