Drug allergy.

Abstract

Although allergic drug reactions are just one type of adverse reaction to medications, they are clinically very important because of the morbidity and mortality they cause. An ever-expanding pharmacopeia increases the potential for allergic drug reactions. An understanding of the types of allergic drug reactions, their immunopathologic mechanisms, and the most likely medications involved; an approach to determine the drug responsible for the reaction; and ways to prevent future allergic drug reactions are important features in minimizing patient morbidity.