Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Allergic Reactions Treatment
All allergic reactions require prompt medical attention because, even with treatment, reactions may progress quickly from mild to severe.
- Mild: Itching or hives can be treated with 50 mg of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) by mouth every 6 hours for 2-3 days.
- Moderate to severe: Symptoms require immediate treatment with 2 tablets of Benadryl and 2 tablets of ranitidine (Zantac). Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) or ipratropium (Atrovent) inhalers may be used to open the airways in cases of wheezing. If available, 60 mg of prednisone should be given.
- Severe: Signs of airway narrowing or anaphylaxis may require epinephrine from a self-administered Ana-Kit or EpiPen. WARNING: Epinephrine should not be used for people older than 60 years or for those with heart conditions because it increases the heart rate and can cause heart attacks/arrhythmias in people who are susceptible.
If the person feels lightheaded, lay the person flat or on his or her side to prevent fainting.
Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and oxygen as needed.
more information from eMedicineHealth
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
Reviewed by
Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD on May 24, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
© 2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
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