1990•Allergy and Asthma ProceedingsRequires access
Drug Allergy
Kyung Kim, Richard J. Evans, Todd A. Mahr
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Abstract
Undesirable or adverse drug effects occur with 1-15% of drug doses. The mechanisms of these reactions are not always known; however, 5-10% are immunologically mediated allergic reactions. Risk factors for allergic drug reactions include age, type of drug, degree of exposure, and route of administration. Penicillin allergy is the most common example of classical drug allergy. Skin test reagents are available which identify the patient at risk of anaphylaxis from penicillin. These patients can be given penicillin in a carefully monitored desensitization protocol. It is essential to establish first the absolute requirement for the drug in the patient sensitive to it. There are also established methods for administration to the sensitive patient: local anesthetics, measles vaccines, and sulfamethoxazole.