Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis

Abstract

In a series of 11,526 consecutively monitored medical inpatients, drug anaphylaxis was recorded in eight cases (0.6 per 1,000), and was fatal in one. Anaphylaxis was most common following infusions of protein-containing agents such as blood or its derivatives (2.4 per 1,000), and intermediate following parenterally administered drugs such as injectable aqueous penicillin and cephalothin sodium (1.3 per 1,000). Prompt treatment with antihistamines, sympathomimetic amines, and corticosteroid drugs, together with provision of an adequate airway, when indicated, can reduce the mortality due to anaphylaxis.