At the slightest sign of allergy, we must suspend treatment and notify the specialist so that he can review our case and prescribe an alternative drug. Medicines, despite being a remedy to which we are accustomed, have their own adverse effects, and create more allergies in people than we may think. However, many of them present with mild symptoms which we can ignore.
Medicines that often cause allergies
Among the great variety of medicines that can cause allergies, there are some that are easier due to their composition. In this group, we can include the following drugs:
- The penicillin
- The insulin
- Sulfa drugs
Allergy symptoms
Like any type of allergy, allergy to medicines does not have symptoms different from the others, apart from the adverse effects that they can cause and those that we can see in the package leaflet.
The symptoms of drug allergy can be separated into mild, moderate and severe symptoms.
Mild symptoms that we can see in a drug allergy
- Urticaria or hives on the skin:this is the mildest symptom and, if the allergy is not serious, it will be withdrawn once we stop treatment with the drug. In addition, it can occur in such a small amount that many times we will not even associate a small itching to the medicine. However, you have to be careful with babies when and make sure that none of these welts come out, with or without inflammation.
- Itching: It is one of the most common and itching is usually felt anywhere on the skin and eyes.
- Skin rashes:After urticaria, small skin rashes may appear that are often very bothersome.
Moderate symptoms
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and face:this is a symptom that, if left untreated, can develop in serious condition. If the swelling appears in the mouth or neck and does not subside, the affected person will begin to have trouble breathing.
- Fever: it is an indication that something is not working. When it appears and we are taking a medicine, we should stop the treatment immediately and visit a doctor.
- Diarrhea:the time in which the person is in this situation must be controlled. Failure to stop treatment can lead to more serious problems.
- Confusion
Serious symptoms
The most serious symptoms of an allergic reaction are shock or anaphylaxis. This is the most serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
The symptoms that the person is having anaphylactic shock are:
- On the one hand, there is severe pain in the abdomen.
- A state of confusion and fainting may also appear.
- As well as difficulties to breathe well.
- Failing that, hives and skin rashes can also arise.
- Fever.
- On the other hand, dizziness.
- And finally, rapid heartbeat and pulse.
Likewise, we must not forget that allergies can appear for any reason, and that medicines, despite being made to help us solve certain problems, are not exempt from producing these allergies.
In short, we must be aware of all the rare symptoms that we feel when we start with a medication. And, in the case of children and babies, we must take extreme precautions and observe their skin at all times.
Check with your doctor if you think you may have an allergy to medications. A test at the allergist will determine allergies to one or the other medications.
