We take medicine to get well soon. But sometimes the medicine we take causes us a different problem. Have you ever had things like rashes, itching, and swollen lips? We call this a ' drug allergy'. Although any medicine can cause this type of allergy, the risk is slightly higher with some types of medicine. So today, let's talk about what are the most common types of medicine that cause allergies, why they happen, and what to do if something like that happens.
What are the most common types of medications that cause allergies?
Let's take a look at the drug classes that doctors most often see allergic reactions to. You may have used some of these yourself. It's important to be aware of this.
| Drug Category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics | These are the ones that are number one. Especially penicillins , for example , Amoxicillin and Ampicillin . In addition, other antibiotics like Tetracycline can also cause allergies. |
| Painkillers | Painkillers that reduce inflammation, that is, a group called Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) . Examples: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac . Also, Aspirin is a drug that occupies a prominent place among these. |
| Sulfa Drugs | Some antibiotics (e.g. Cotrimoxazole) and medications for other diseases contain this sulfa. Some people can also be allergic to this. |
| Chemotherapy Drugs | The body can also be allergic to these medications that are given to destroy cancer cells. |
| Medications for HIV | Some medications used to control HIV infection, such as Abacavir and Nevirapine, can also cause allergies. |
| Antiseizure Drugs | Severe allergic reactions can also be caused by medications used to control seizures, such as Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, and Phenytoin . |
| Other medications | In addition, insulin , monoclonal antibody therapy (a special treatment for cancer and other diseases), and muscle relaxants injected into veins along with anesthesia during surgery can also cause allergies. |
How does the risk of allergies increase?
The type of medication and the way you use it also affect this. For example, there is a higher chance of developing an allergy when taking certain medications.
- Taking a medicine by injection rather than by mouth: When you take a medicine by injection into a vein or muscle , rather than taking a pill, it enters the body immediately. This makes it more likely that our immune system will be overwhelmed and mistakenly attack it. This is why some people get allergic reactions after getting a penicillin shot.
- Applying to the skin: Some medications, even when applied to the skin as a cream, can cause an allergic reaction. When the medication is absorbed through the skin, the immune cells in the skin can be stimulated and an allergic reaction can occur.
- Taking medication frequently: When we take the same medication for a long time or frequently , our body can become sensitive to that medication. This means that even if it doesn't cause any problems at first, over time the body can start to recognize the medication as an "enemy" and start to react.
Is all this really "allegic"?
This is where many people get confused. Not all side effects from taking a medication are actually allergies. Some are what we call " side effects ."
Simply put, an allergy is like your body's defense system, the immune system, looking at an innocent substance and thinking, "Here's an enemy!" and attacking it. This causes things like hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
But a side effect is something that comes as part of the way the medicine works. For example, stomach pain after taking some painkillers, dizziness after taking some medications. These are not immune system reactions.
But both of these can have dangerous consequences. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about anything. There are some medications that are not allergic, but can cause reactions that can be severe.
- Heart disease medications: Some high blood pressure medications, especially ACE inhibitors , can sometimes cause a dangerous condition called swelling of the face and lips, even if it's too late.
- Dyes used in X-rays and CT scans: Contrast dyes injected into veins during some scans can cause reactions that can make you feel hot and nauseous. These are usually not allergic.
- Chemotherapy Drugs: These drugs cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, not allergies.
What to do if you are allergic to a medicine?
This is the most important thing. If you experience anything unusual while using a medicine, such as a rash , itching, or swelling of the lips , stop taking the medicine immediately.
Next, call your doctor immediately . Don't ignore even the smallest of symptoms, because an allergy that starts small can become serious.
However, if you have difficulty breathing, feel tightness in your chest, have swelling in your face or throat, or feel faint, it is a medical emergency. Don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. This can be a life-or-death situation.
Never use a medicine you are allergic to again without first consulting a doctor . It can be very dangerous.
Take-Home Message
- Although any medication can cause an allergic reaction, antibiotics, painkillers (NSAIDs), and sulfa drugs are the most common.
- Every time you go to get medicine, don't forget to tell your doctor about any medications you've been allergic to in the past.
- Not all reactions to medication are allergic. Some are side effects. But it is essential to inform your doctor about any reactions.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat due to a drug, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Avoid using a medication you think you are allergic to again without medical advice.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න