Abstract
Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are divided into two main groups, type A and type B reactions. Type A reactions represent nearly 80–85% of ADRs, are caused by predictable pharmacological actions of the drug, and may occur in every individual. However, type B reactions develop on the basis of individual predisposition. Type B reactions include hypersensitivity reactions, which cover allergic-immune reactions, pharmacological interaction with immune receptors (p-i concept), and pseudoallergy. Allergic-immune reactions and p-i concept are the immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions, which can be type I, II, III, and IV. Pseudoallergic reactions are non-immune-mediated, but usually imitate IgE-mediated reactions with wheal and oedema formation. Drugs, or even the same drug, can elicit drug hypersensitivity reactions via various mechanisms. The most common and severe forms of drug hypersensitivity reactions are urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis, maculopapular drug eruption (MDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). For correct diagnosis, detailed medical history is important and different test types are recommended, according to immediate or delayed type reactions.
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Szegedi, A., Remenyik, É., Gellén, E. (2023). Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D'Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_22
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