This article explains the difference between drug allergy and drug reaction, and how to use a drug interaction lookup tool to avoid harmful combinations of medications.
If you have ever experienced an adverse reaction to a medication, you may wonder if you have a drug allergy or a drug intolerance.
These terms are not interchangeable, and knowing the difference can help you avoid serious complications.
In this blog post, we will explain what drug allergy and drug intolerance are, how they differ, and how you can use a drug interaction lookup tool to check for potential interactions between your medications.
What is a drug allergy?
A drug allergy is a reaction of your immune system to a medication. Your immune system mistakenly identifies the drug as a foreign substance and produces antibodies to fight it.
The next time you take the same or a similar drug, these antibodies trigger an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis.
A drug allergy can develop at any time, even if you have taken the drug before without any problems.
Some drugs are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others. These include:
- Penicillin and other antibiotics
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Insulin
- Local anesthetics
- Contrast dye used for imaging tests
What is a drug reaction?
A drug reaction is any unexpected or undesirable effect of a medication. A drug reaction can be caused by various factors, such as:
Side effects
These are known possible reactions to a medication that are usually listed on the drug label or the patient information leaflet.
Side effects can range from mild to severe, depending on the dose, duration, and individual sensitivity.
Some common side effects are nausea, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, or constipation.
Drug toxicity
This is caused by an overdose of a medication or by taking it for too long. Drug toxicity can damage your organs or cause life-threatening complications. Some signs of drug toxicity are confusion, seizures, coma, or irregular heartbeat.
Drug interactions
These occur when two or more medications affect each other’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion.
Drug interactions can reduce the effectiveness of your medications, increase the risk of side effects or toxicity, or cause new symptoms.
Drug interactions can also involve food, beverages, supplements, or herbal products.
How to prevent or treat drug reactions?
The best way to prevent or treat drug reactions is to follow these steps:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Also tell them about any allergies or medical conditions you have.
- Read the drug label and the patient information leaflet carefully before taking any medication. Follow the instructions on how much, how often, and how long to take it. Do not take more than the recommended dose or for longer than prescribed.
- Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol when taking medications, as they can interfere with some drugs and cause serious interactions.
- Use a drug interaction lookup tool to check for potential interactions between your medications.
- Monitor your symptoms and report any unusual or severe reactions to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) or drug toxicity (such as confusion, seizures, coma).
- Keep a list of all your medications and allergies with you at all times. This can help in case of an emergency or when you visit a new doctor.
