DMV Allergy & Asthma Center – Allergist Washington DC & Alexandria
Call for Appointments
Drug Allergy Treatment
Get Drug Allergy Treatment From Specialist In Alexandria, VA and K Street & Foxhall in Washington, DC
If you are experiencing a reaction and symptoms to a medication you received or are taking, you may have a drug allergy. A drug allergy is an abnormal immune system response to a medication. While some reactions are mild, severe allergic reactions to medication can occur. Common symptoms include rash, hives, and fever.
At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, our drug allergy specialist provides expert treatment for drug allergies to help diagnose and manage your condition. We offer comprehensive drug allergy testing to identify triggers and develop personalized treatment plans to prevent future reactions.
Visit our offices in Alexandria, VA, and Washington, DC (K Street & Foxhall Village) for expert medication allergy care. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your safety and well-being.
What are Drug Allergies?
Drug allergies occur when your immune system has an abnormal reaction to a drug or medication. Instead of recognizing the medication as helpful, your body mistakenly treats it as a threat and launches an immune response. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild skin reactions to life-threatening complications.
Common symptoms of a drug allergy include:
- Rash or hives
- Fever
- Itching
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe reactions like anaphylaxis
Because drug allergies can escalate quickly, proper diagnosis and management are critical for your health.
What Are Common Allergic Medications?
Some medications are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others. If you’ve had a previous reaction to any of the following, it’s important to seek evaluation from a specialist:
- Antibiotics, especially penicillin and related drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen
- Certain chemotherapy medications
- Anticonvulsants
- Other prescription or over-the-counter drugs
Not every reaction to a medication is an allergy—but identifying a true drug allergy is key to staying safe.
What Drug Allergy Tests Do We Offer at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center?
At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, we will diagnose your drug allergy using a comprehensive medical history, details about the reaction, and specialized drug allergy tests. Depending on your case, our allergy specialists may recommend:
- Skin testing to detect immediate allergic responses
- Blood tests to evaluate immune markers related to drug reactions
- Graded drug challenges, if necessary, to determine safe medications under supervision
Identifying the source of your symptoms with accurate drug allergy testing allows us to provide safer, more effective treatment recommendations.
Drug Allergy Treatment Options We Offer
Your safety is our top priority. Once we’ve identified the offending medication, our drug allergy treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs and medical history.
Treatment may include:
- Discontinuing the allergenic drug immediately
- Using antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve rash, hives, or inflammation
- Emergency interventions like epinephrine or bronchodilators in severe cases
- Long-term avoidance planning to ensure safe future prescriptions
We also work closely with your primary care provider or prescribing doctor to identify safe alternatives.
Drug Allergy Rash Symptoms and Treatment
One of the most common symptoms of a drug allergy is a rash. It can appear suddenly and range from mild to severe.
What does a drug allergy rash look like?
- Red, raised welts or hives
- Blotchy or spotty patterns
- Itchy, warm, or irritated skin
- Sometimes blistering or peeling in severe reactions
How long does a drug allergy rash last?
Most rashes begin to fade within a few days after stopping the medication. However, depending on the severity, it may take a week or longer to fully clear. Drug allergy rash treatment, such as antihistamines or topical steroids, can help ease symptoms and speed up healing.
What if the rash is getting worse?
If the rash is spreading, painful, or accompanied by swelling or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately. These may be signs of a more serious allergic reaction.
Get Expert Drug Allergy Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a drug allergy or need testing before starting a medication, we’re here to help. At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, our specialists provide expert care and customized treatment plans for patients with medication allergies.
We welcome patients at our locations in Alexandria, VA, and Washington, DC (K Street & Foxhall Village).
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
FAQ on Drug Allergy Treatment
What are drug allergies?
Drug allergies occur when your immune system has an abnormal reaction to a drug, or medication, that you take. Common symptoms include rash, hives, fever. However, more severe reactions could cause difficulty breathing, swelling, rapid heart rate, and even anaphylaxis.
What are Common Allergic Medications?
Some common medications that cause allergic reactions in patients are:
- Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Certain chemotherapy drugs
- Many others
What Drug Allergy Tests Do We Offer at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center?
At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, we will diagnose your drug allergy using a comprehensive medical history, details about the reaction, and specialized drug allergy test. The drug allergy testing includes skin tests or blood tests, which can identify the specific allergens that cause your reaction.
What Drug Allergy Treatment Options Are Available at DMV Allergy & Asthma Center?
Treatment of drug allergies includes the following:
- Discontinuing the allergic medication to prevent further reactions.
- Managing symptoms with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Seeking emergency medical attention for severe allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock.
- Using bronchodilators or epinephrine in severe cases to restore normal breathing.
At DMV Allergy & Asthma Center, our allergists provide expert drug allergy treatment at our locations in Alexandria, VA, and Washington, DC (K Street & Foxhall Village) to ensure your safety and well-being.