Allergic reaction to a medication

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Allergic reaction to a medication

An allergic reaction to a medication is an overreaction by the body's immune system to a substance (allergen) in a medication a person has taken. An allergic reaction to a medication may cause symptoms that range from a minor rash to severe anaphylactic shock, depending on the person and the type and dose of the medication.

A medication allergy is different from an adverse medication reaction, such as a medication side effect or a reaction when taking more than one medication. Because symptoms and treatments vary, a health professional should determine whether a person has a medication allergy or an adverse reaction. A severe medication allergy can be life-threatening; an adverse reaction usually is not.

A person who has been diagnosed with a medication allergy should wear a medical alert bracelet or other identification and should not take that medication again.

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Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Last Updated	July 24, 2007

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Last updated:	July 24, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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