Dermatológia pre prax 3/2017

Drug hypersensitivity reactions

Drug hypersensitivity reactions comprise 15 % of all advese reactions. They are caused by different mechanisms and result in different clinical pictures. Diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions is primarily based on a detailed clinical history, in vitro tests and in vivo procedures, such as skin testing and drug provocation tests. Treatment is based on permanent avoidance of the culprit drug and changing for a structurally different, non-cross-reacting compound for future therapy. Drug desensitization is a treatment option in situations where there is no alternative drug.

Keywords: drug hypersensitivity, allergic reaction, non-allergic reaction, diagnosis, treatment, desensitization