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Does Allergy To A Drug Increase The Chances Of More Allergies?

Posted on Thu, 7 May 2015

Question: I had a anaphylaxic reaction to kelex about one month ago. being treated for a UTI. Today I had a drug rash to oxbutynin after one hour. ( Just Rash ). Easily rx with Benandryl
I am 62 year old with no medical history of multiple allergies, Does having one make you more prone to more?
Is there a compound in both that I am allergic to?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Being allergic to one drug will enhance the susceptibility to other.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.

I understand your concern.

Yes being allergic to one will enhance the same to other drug as well.

The compounds in both are different.

Reaction to Oxbutyin is minor and the drug can be restarted under benadryl care.

But reaction to Keflex is major and the drug should not be restarted ever.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (5 minutes later)

Why does one enhance the other and is that only that drug or is for all drugs??

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Similarity between chemical structure is responsible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I understand your query.

Mutual susceptibility to drugs is based on intrinsic factors like variations in body's ability to mount immune response to external agents like drugs.

Also the similarity between chemical structure of drugs also contribute to drug sensitivity.

Thank you.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar