Drug allergy

Drug allergy
SpecialtyImmunology, pharmacology

A drug allergy is an allergy to a drug, most commonly a medication, and is a form of adverse drug reaction. A suspected allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.

An allergic reaction does not occur on the first exposure to a substance; during the first exposure the body creates antibodies and memory lymphocyte cells for the antigen, which can lead to sensitisation and cause a later allergic reaction. However, drugs may contain substances, including dyes, to which a patient is already sensitised, leading to an allergic reactions on the first administration of a drug.

A drug allergy is different from an intolerance. A drug intolerance, which is often a milder, non-immune-mediated reaction, does not depend on prior exposure.

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