Common allergic and allergic-like reactions to medications - When the cure becomes the curse

Adverse drug events are common and can be life-threatening when the reactions are IgE-mediated or mimic IgE-mediated effects. The drugs most often involved are analgesics, antibiotics (eg, penicillin, sulfonamides), ACE inhibitors, and radiocontrast media. Thorough history taking and careful prescribing practices can reduce the frequency of allergic and pseudoallergic reactions. In addition, proper documentation and warning labels can reduce the frequency of accidental or careless administration of inappropriate drugs to patients who are at risk of adverse events.