Most drug allergies respond well to treatment. Proper treatment combined
with stopping the "culprit" medication can help most people to start
to recover from a mild to moderate medication allergy reaction in 48 to 72 hours.
The first step in treating a drug allergy is avoiding the allergy-causing medication.
Mild allergy symptoms (rash, itching and mild hives) may be relieved with antihistamines
such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine maleate, and topical corticosteroids
may also be recommended ("topical" means "applied to a specific
area of the skin"). If asthma-like symptoms such as cough and/or wheezing
are present, your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator such as salbutamol.
After consulting your doctor about medication treatment, you can help speed
your recovery from mild reactions (such as hives or skin reactions) with non-medication
techniques such as:
- taking cool showers or applying cold compresses
- wearing loose clothing that doesn't irritate your skin
- applying calamine lotion or aloe vera to your skin
- getting plenty of rest and good nutrition until your body recovers from
the reaction
Severe allergy symptoms (such as anaphylaxis - see "Types of drug allergies"
in this feature) may require immediate medical attention in a hospital and medications
to quickly reverse the chain of events involved in the reaction. This treatment
may involve:
- antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, steroids such as prednisone or methylprednisolone
given orally or by intravenous injection, or histamine blockers such as cimetidine,
famotidine or ranitidine
- epinephrine given by intravenous injection or by inhalation
- continued therapy and observation in a hospital, for severe reactions
Seeking medical attention immediately upon experiencing symptoms improves
the chances of successful treatment for a severe drug allergy.
Call your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking a medication and develop
symptoms that might suggest a drug allergy. If you have difficulty breathing
or develop other symptoms of anaphylaxis (see "Types of drug allergies"
in this feature), have someone take you to the closest emergency room, or call
9-1-1 and speak with emergency personnel.
If you have been diagnosed with a drug allergy, follow up with your doctor
after the diagnosis. Your doctor and pharmacist might recommend a different
dose for your medication, or another type of medication entirely, in addition
to a MedicAlert bracelet.
