First Aid & Emergencies

Drug Allergy Treatment

1. When to See a Doctor

See a doctor immediately for these symptoms:

• A fast-spreading painful red or blistered area on the skin

• Top layer of skin peels off in sheets without blistering

• Scalded-looking raw areas of flesh

• Discomfort

• Fever

• Condition spreading to eyes, mouth, and genitals

Call the doctor as soon as possible if the person has:

• Swollen face, tongue, or lips, even without breathing difficulty or increase in swelling

• Skin rash, itching, a feeling of warmth, or hives

See Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment.

2. Stop Taking the Drug that Triggered the Reaction

3. Control Itching

For a mild reaction:

• Give an adult an over-the-counter antihistamine. Check with a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child.

• Use cool compresses on the area or have the person take cool showers.

• Avoid strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals.

• Stay in a cool room. Have the person wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes.

• For a rash, apply calamine lotion.

4. Follow Up

• Call or see a doctor if home treatment doesn't help or symptoms get worse.

• Talk to the doctor about an alternative medicine and what drug(s) to avoid in the future.

• Serious symptoms may require a hospital stay.