Common drug allergy list: what to know

A drug allergy is an immune response to a medicine. Possible symptoms include hives, itching, facial or lip swelling, wheezing, vomiting, or dizziness. A side effect, such as nausea after a medicine, is different from an allergy, although both deserve medical review when troublesome.

Medicines often associated with allergy include antibiotics such as penicillin-type medicines, some pain relievers, and certain anticonvulsants. A reaction can happen after a medicine has been used before without difficulty. The name, dose, timing, and symptoms help a clinician decide what happened.

Stop and get prompt medical advice if a new rash, swelling, or other unusual symptom follows a medicine, unless a clinician has told you to continue it. Do not test the medicine again on your own. Keep the packet or prescription, write down when you took it, and list every symptom and other medicine used that day.

Ask a clinician to update your medical record with the suspected drug and reaction. An assessment may clarify whether this was allergy, intolerance, or another cause. Allergy Testing can sometimes support decisions about future medicines, while a GP Consultation can help review alternatives.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms after a medicine. These can be signs of Anaphylaxis and require urgent treatment. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or your breathing is affected.

Ask which medicine should be avoided, whether related medicines are suitable, how the reaction should be recorded, and whether testing or specialist assessment is appropriate. Check what to do if the medicine is medically necessary and which symptoms should trigger emergency action.