Drug allergy and anaphylaxis Flashcards
what are the 2 ways mast cells can be activated in drug allergy reactions?
Via immunoglobulins - IgE
Direct activation - aspirin, contrast media
where can an allergy history be taken from?
patient
carer
GP
community pharmacist
care home
medical notes
summary care record
how do you take a drug allergy history?
all current meds and recent changes including OTC and injections
generic name for drug suspected of causing reaction
exact signs, symptoms and severity of reaction
when reaction occurred
how long before reaction drug was taken
whether the allergy is a first hand recollection
what 5 things should be documented on the drug chart about an allergy?
generic name of drug
relevant non-drug allergies
nature of reaction
signature
Date
what are 5 allergic symptoms?
itch
urticaria
hypotension
angioedema
wheeze
what are 4 rashes that can be caused by non-allergic drug reactions?
morbilliform rash (like measles)
Erythema multiform (urticarial)
fixed drug eruptions
photosensitivity
what 4 antibiotics are betalactams?
penicillins
cephalosporins - cefalexin, cephotaxime
carbapenems - meropenem, impenem
monobactams - aztreonam
what beta-lactam antibiotic is safe in penicillin allergy?
Aztreonam
what beta lactams can be prescribed with caution in those with penicillin allergy?
3rd generation cephalosporins - cefazidime, ceftriaxone
carbapenems - Meropenem - 1% of penicillin allergies have allaergy to carbapenems
How long should a patient be observed for after anaphylaxis?
6-12 hours
what is the dose of adrenaline given to adults and children >12 in anaphylaxis?
500 micrograms IM
0.5ml of 1 in 1000
what are 4 conditions that increase risk of drug allergy?
HIV
EBV
CMV
CF
what medications may patients with chronic urticaria or mastocytosis be sensitive to?
NSAIDs
opioid analgesics
drugs with histamine releaseing properties liek atracurium
what medications are high risk for allergies?
beta lactam antibiotics
neromuscular blocking agents
radiocontrast media
NSAIDs
High molecular weight starches
are women or men more at risk of drug allergies?
women
what are 7 medications that commonly cause allergic reactions?
chlorhexidine
opioids
Antimicrobials
NSAIDs
plasma expanders
muscle relaxants
radiocontrast media
what are 4 ways allergies should be identified in hospital?
red wrist band
documentation on drug chart
documentation in notes
documentation in electronic system