All medications are capable of producing an allergic reaction in those individuals with sensitivity. According to MedlinePlus from the National Institutes of Health, medication allergies often require treatment in emergency rooms. Reactions can vary between mild and severe and may occur immediately or be delayed up to a week or more after taking the medication.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics feature the highest reported allergic response. Penicillin, cephalosporins and sulfonamides can cause a reaction such as an allergy or similar miscommunication in the immune system. The Merck Manual Home Edition states that the allergy symptoms can vary in degree of severity ranging from a mild skin rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis, or the closing of the airways and throat.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are a group of over-the-counter pain relievers containing aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Trinity Allergy lists the most commonly reported symptoms attributed to NSAIDs as hives, inflammation, asthma attacks and anaphylaxis. Less distinguishable symptoms attributed to allergy to NSAIDs include gastrointestinal upset, ulcerations, internal bleeding, bruising, and impaired liver and kidney function.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Epileptics, or individuals who have a seizure disorder, can have enzyme level deficiencies that result in a reaction to their medication. Most commonly reported symptoms attributed include skin rash, fever, body aches and hepatitis. The Merck Manual Home Edition lists additional allergy symptoms that may accompany this drug as swelling, wheezing, itching of the skin or eyes and hives.
Anesthetics
Anesthetics are drugs used to numb pain from topical applications to surgical procedures. Hospitals and dentists use injectable anesthetics in both outpatient and inpatient procedures. Preservatives in anesthetics are generally the true culprit behind the allergic reaction. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, anesthesia must be supervised so that the airway is kept free from collapse, breathing is controlled and additional medications can be administered to treat signs of anaphylaxis.
