TY - JOUR
T1 - Drug allergies
AU - Gruchalla, R. S.
PY - 1998
Y1 - 1998
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0031798024&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0031798024&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/S0095-4543(05)70088-9
DO - 10.1016/S0095-4543(05)70088-9
M3 - Article
C2 - 9735119
AN - SCOPUS:0031798024
SN - 0095-4543
VL - 25
SP - 791
EP - 807
JO - Primary Care - Clinics in Office Practice
JF - Primary Care - Clinics in Office Practice
IS - 4
ER -