Drug induced Hypersensitivity reaction

VOL: 1 ISSUE: 4 DATE: 16 May 24
Author: Hasna Raihanath, Clinical Pharmacist, Kauvery hospital, Marathahalli, Bangalore
  • A female patient of 27 years was admitted to the hospital for excision of fibroadenoma, breast.
  • She was placed on NPO status and prescribed medications, such as Inj.Cefotaxime 1gm STAT,
  • Ondansetron, pantoprazole.
  • She developed itching, rashes and raised bumps all over the body within seconds of receiving the
  • STAT test dose of cefotaxime.

Clinical findings

 

Diagnosis was made as Drug induced Hypersensitivity reaction.

Cefotaxime, a cephalosporin antibiotic, is known to cause these reactions.

Discussion

  • Cefotaxime is a beta-lactam antibiotic classified as a third-generation cephalosporin. Its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity is useful in treating the susceptible strains of bacteria.
  • Immediate Hypersensitivity (Type I) reaction involves the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells and basophils in response to an allergen.
  • It typically occurs within minutes of exposure to the allergen and can lead to symptoms such as hives, itching, nasal congestion, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.

Reference: https://ijppr.humanjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5.Eldhose-Elias-George-Anjali-Shaju-Bony-George.pdf

Kauvery Hospital