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| Research article summary (published 29 Nov 1998): |
Drug allergies.
Full Abstract
Allergic drug reactions are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Because it is difficult to identify the culprit drug and the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in these reactions, a systematic approach should be adopted in the evaluation of drug-allergic patients. Initially, the type of reaction should be determined. It should be realized that not all adverse reactions are allergic in nature. Allergic drug reactions comprise only a small category of adverse reactions in general. Therefore, the physician must determine if the reaction demonstrates features common to immunologic reaction. Subsequently, a detailed history should be obtained and a physical should be performed. Important information includes medication usage, previous drug exposure, current illness, family history of drug allergy and personal history of drug allergy. In managing the drug-allergic patient, the physician may choose to: select an alternative, non-cross-reacting drug if future therapy is needed; premedicate prior to future drug exposure if such regimens have been shown to be effective; or consult an allergist regarding the potential graded challenge or desensitization.
Author information
Author/s: Gruchalla, R S (RS);
Affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-8859, USA. rgruch(-atsign-)mednet.swmed.edu
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Journal: Primary care (Prim Care), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)
Reference: 1998-Dec; vol 25 (issue 4) : pp 791-807
Dates: Created 1999/03/11; Completed 1999/03/11; Revised 2005/11/16;
PMID: 9735119, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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