Title: The 3 Most Common Causes of Drug Allergies and How to Treat Them - GoodRx
Headings: The 3 Most Common Causes of Drug Allergies and How to Treat Them
The 3 Most Common Causes of Drug Allergies and How to Treat Them
Benita Lee, MPH
What are drug allergies?
Common allergy symptoms
Drugs that can cause allergic reactions
1) Aspirin and other NSAID pain relievers
2) Penicillin antibiotics
3) Sulfa drugs
How to treat a drug allergy

Content: 3) Sulfa drugs
Sulfa drugs, or drugs that contain sulfonamide, can cause allergic reactions as well — in about 3% of people according to research. Pay particular attention to antimicrobials and anticonvulsants, as they often belong to the sulfa drug family. Interestingly, people are more likely to experience allergic reactions to sulfa antibiotics than other types of sulfa drugs. For a full list of sulfa drugs, read more here. Because so many different drug types have sulfonamide as an active ingredient, physicians are extra careful when prescribing sulfa drugs. Just like with penicillin antibiotics, controlled desensitization might be an option if no other alternatives are available. The most common symptom with sulfa drugs is a skin reaction, ranging from minor hives to the potentially life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a condition that consists of severe skin blisters and lesions. How to treat a drug allergy
The best way to avoid drug allergies is to have an open conversation with your doctor before beginning any treatment. Also, make sure you understand the warning signs of an allergy and are aware of the consequences. In any case, see a doctor at the first signs of a reaction.