Certain Drugs
Drugs make up for the most important cause of anaphylaxis, especially in the elderly population. Drug-induced anaphylaxis is also most severe and 58% fatal anaphylaxis are triggered by drugs as allergens. Drugs induce anaphylaxis by both, Ig E and non-Ig E mechanisms. Most cases of drug-induced anaphylaxis are reported in a hospital setting. Some important drugs in this regard are:
- NSAIDS: these drugs take up an important role in many areas of drug therapy. However, these are also known to cause allergic reactions, like urticaria and swellings. Recently, NSAID- induced anaphylaxis is significantly on the rise. Within this domain, some patients are sensitive to both subgroups COX-1 and COX-2 drugs. However, some patients can effectively be treated by the other group of drugs.
- Antibiotics: antibiotics are a very popular cause of anaphylaxis. Top of the chart in this context are penicillin. Due to similar mechanisms, some other antibiotics can also trigger anaphylaxis.
- Contrast media: contrast media are used in various internal body imaging procedures like CT scan and MRI etc. Iodinated contrast media are shown to cause anaphylaxis. At least 20-minute observation post-administration of the media is recommended.
- Various muscle relaxants given in a hospital setting are also reported to cause adverse reactions in the form of anaphylaxis. Certain anti-HIV virus medications are also an addition to the list.