Allergic reactions to drugs and biological agents

Article Abstract:

As many as 30% of all hospitalized patients will have an adverse reaction to a drug. However, less than 10% of these reactions will be allergic. There are several factors involved in a drug allergy, including the type of drug, route of administration and characteristics of the patient. Most drug allergies occur after the drug binds to a protein in the blood. Some types of drug allergy involve the production of IgE antibody, occur relatively quickly and may resemble an anaphylactic reaction. Others do not involve IgE and may occur a week or two after the drug was started. Some drugs can cause autoimmune symptoms similar to systemic lupus erythematosus. Drug allergies usually involve the skin, blood, lung, liver and kidney. The drugs most commonly associated with drug allergy include antibiotics, especially beta-lactams, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), insulin and radiocontrast dyes.

Physiological aspects, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Insulin, Contrast media, Contrast media (Chemicals), Drug allergy, Drug hypersensitivity

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Follow-up of deaths among U.S. postal service workers potentially exposed to Bacillus anthracis -- District of Columbia, 2001-2002

Article Abstract:

In the year after four postal employees in the Brentwood Mail Processing and Distribution Center in Washington, DC, were exposed to anthrax spores, only two died from anthrax. Eleven other workers in the facility died 12 months after the exposure, but none died of anthrax. The death rate was similar to the death rate that would be expected in the general population.

United States, Executive changes & profiles, Business Mail Mgmt, Office mail procedures, Mail centers, Mail centres

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Update: Adverse Events Associated With Anthrax Prophylaxis Among Postal Employees-New Jersey, New York City, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Area, 2001. (From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Article Abstract:

Many postal workers who took ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or amoxicillin to prevent anthrax did not report side effects from the drugs to their doctor. Over 8,000 postal employees were prescribed these antibiotics because they worked at post offices that processed mail contaminated with anthrax spores.

Prevention, Postal service

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