Drug Allergy Treatment

In this article

• Call 911 if the person has:
• 1. When to See a Doctor
• 2. Stop Taking the Drug that Triggered the Reaction
• 3. Control Itching
• 4. Follow Up

Call 911 if the person has:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing
• Hoarseness or trouble speaking
• Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
• Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• Fast heartbeat or pulse
• Anxiety or dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Hives and trouble breathing
• Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Had severe reactions in the past

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing
• Hoarseness or trouble speaking
• Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
• Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
• Fast heartbeat or pulse
• Anxiety or dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Hives and trouble breathing
• Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Had severe reactions in the past

1. When to See a Doctor

• A fast-spreading painful red or blistered area on the skin

• Top layer of skin peels off in sheets without blistering

• Scalded-looking raw areas of flesh

• Discomfort

• Fever

• Condition spreading to eyes, mouth, and genitals

• Swollen face, tongue, or lips, even without breathing difficulty or increase in swelling

• Skin rash, itching, a feeling of warmth, or hives

2. Stop Taking the Drug that Triggered the Reaction

3. Control Itching

• Give an adult an over-the-counter antihistamine. Check with a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child.

• Use cool compresses on the area or have the person take cool showers.

• Avoid strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals.

• Stay in a cool room. Have the person wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes.

• For a rash, apply calamine lotion.

4. Follow Up

• Call or see a doctor if home treatment doesn't help or symptoms get worse.

• Talk to the doctor about an alternative medicine and what drug(s) to avoid in the future.

• Serious symptoms may require a hospital stay.