A drug allergy is an allergic reaction to a medication or drug of any type, whether it is prescription or non-prescription. Penicillins and sulfa drugs are common examples of drugs that sometimes cause an allergic reaction. In severe cases, life-threatening anaphylactic shock may occur.
Signs and symptoms of a drug allergy are similar to those of other allergic reactions. These can include a
Other associated symptoms and signs can include
- runny nose,
- nasal congestion,
- itchy eyes,
- watery eyes, or
- wheezing.
More serious reactions may cause
- nausea and vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- seizure,
- low blood pressure,
- dizziness or fainting,
- shortness of breath, and
- abdominal pains or cramps.
Cause of a drug allergy
An immune response causes a drug allergy.
Other drug allergy symptoms and signs
- Abdominal Pains or Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness or Fainting
- Hives
- Itching of the Skin
- Itchy Eyes
- Low Blood Pressure
- Nasal Congestion
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Runny Nose
- Seizure
- Shortness of Breath
- Skin Rash
- Watery Eyes
- Wheezing
Main Article on Drug Allergy Symptoms and Signs

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Examples of Medications for Drug Allergy Symptoms and Signs
- Adrenaclick (epinephrine)
- Antihistamine Shots (Injections)
- Antihistamines (Oral)
- betamethasone
- bitolterol mesylate
- chlorpheniramine
- cortisone
- cyproheptadine
- Does Immunotherapy Work for Allergies?
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- ipratropium
- levocetirizine
- loratadine
- Polmon (dexchlorpheniramine maleate)
- pseudoephedrine
- quercetin
- sodium chloride intranasal
- Symjepi (epinephrine)
- triamcinolone
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