title: Drug allergy.
abstract: Drug allergy is one type of adverse reaction to drugs and encompasses a spectrum of hypersensitivity reactions with heterogeneous mechanisms and clinical presentations. A thorough history is essential to the management of drug allergy. Laboratory testing has a very limited role in the management of drug allergy. Graded dose challenges and procedures to induce drug tolerance might be required in patients with drug allergy when there is a definite need for a particular agent. Management of reactions to specific agents, including beta-lactam antibiotics, sulfonamides, local anesthetics, radiocontrast media, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and biologic modifiers, will be discussed in further detail.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8859, USA. dave.khan@utsouthwestern.edu
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Solensky
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D047090:beta-Lactams / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D047090:beta-Lactams