Listen

Drug (Medication) Allergy

Allergic reactions to drugs (medications) are called ‘immediate’ when they occur within one to six hours after taking a medication, and ‘non-immediate’ when the reaction occurs more than 24 hours after taking a medication.  Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) are non-immediate rashes due to drugs that are associated with fever, flu-like and other systemic symptoms. These can be life-threatening, and require urgent specialist care. Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction to drugs and requires immediate treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine),  Sometimes rashes are mistaken as an allergic reaction to a drug so it is important to confirm whether it is an allergy, or a rash that may be due to infection.

Fast Facts
 
Fast Facts about Drug Allergy 
 
Action Plan
 
ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy
 
Drug Allergy Challenges
 
Antibiotic Allergy Challenges 
 
Antibiotic Allergy Challenges Consent Form
 
Click on the links below for more information (A-Z)

Adverse Reactions to Alternative Medicines

Allergic Reactions to Aspirin and other Pain Killers   

Chlorhexidine Allergy 

Penicillin Allergy 

Sulfonamide Antibiotic Allergy

Scan the QR code to view this webpage on a mobile phone

Drug (Medication) Allergy QR CODE 
 
Useful Links
Patient and carer support organisations 
 

ASCIA information for health professionals 

Webpage updated March 2024