Medicines to Treat Anaphylaxis

Definition

An anaphylactic crisis, also called anaphylaxis, is a sudden, violent and exaggerated reaction of the organism towards a substance (antigen / allergen) normally harmless for healthy subjects. The severity of anaphylaxis is very high, so much so as to be potentially lethal.

Causes

Ideally, all foods, drugs and substances foreign to the body can be considered allergens and could generate anaphylaxis; however, some substances are considered more dangerous than others, and include: certain foods (eg. Nuts, peaches, crustaceans , peanuts, milk, eggs) and drugs (eg penicillin, muscle relaxants used in general anesthesia, NSAIDs), bee, wasp and hornet stings, latex. Rare, though possible, recorded cases of anaphylaxis from excessive exercise.

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with anaphylaxis generally begin within minutes of exposure to the allergen; among these, the most recurrent are: anguish, heartache, constriction of the respiratory tract, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, erythema, hypotension, swollen tongue, nausea, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, vomiting.

The information on Anaphylaxis - Drugs for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Anaphylaxis - Drugs for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis.

Medicines

Some cases of anaphylaxis are treated simply with antihistamines and corticosteroids, although hospitalization and medical observation of the patient are required in cases of severity. An injection of adrenaline is often useful to slow the progression of symptoms, especially in the case of a severe anaphylactic reaction.
"Anaphylaxis should not be underestimated, since it can cause loss of consciousness or other serious complications: anaphylactic shock represents, in fact, a" medical emergency that can cause death, caused by a rapid occlusion of the respiratory tract.
In general, adrenaline reduces the exaggerated allergic response, while antihistamines and steroids can reduce inflammation of the airways, thus improving the patient's respiratory capacity; again, to relieve respiratory symptoms, the patient may be given a dose of albuterol or other beta-agonist drugs. Eventually, the patient undergoes oxygen treatment and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Anaphylaxis → airway obstruction → suffocation → lack of oxygenation to the brain → irreversible damage or death

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against anaphylaxis, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and the dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Catecholamines:

Adrenaline or epinephrine (eg. Jext, Adrenal, Fastjekt): the drug is a powerful muscle vasodilator, useful for preventing airway obstruction in case of anaphylaxis; patients who are predisposed to it should always carry an adrenaline syringe. for emergency self-injection. The effect of adrenaline is not lasting; the drug generates cold sweats and frozen extremities. It is recommended to administer the drug intramuscularly at a dosage of 0.3-0.5 ml in adults and 0.01 ml / kg (max. 0.3 mg) in the child, immediately after the onset of the typical symptoms of anaphylaxis; repeat the administration every 5-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition. Administer the drug by route intravenous only when the anaphylaxis is very severe, since the drug could generate tachyarrhythmia: in this case, it is recommended to inject a dose of 2-10 mcg / min into a vein; doses above 20 mcg / min are only rarely required. In severe cases, the drug is administered intracardiac (direct injection into the left ventricle: 0.3-0.5 mg) or endotracheal (1 mg).

Antihistamines:

Promethazine (ex: Promet NAR, Farganesse, Fenazil): antihistamine drug. Parenterally, it is recommended to take the drug at a dose of 25 mg (intravenous or intramuscular injection). When necessary, repeat the administration after 2 hours. Oral therapy can be undertaken after the patient has recovered. Orally, it is recommended to take 25 mg of active; repeat administration after 4 hours, if necessary. In the context of an "anaphylaxis, for the prevention of relapses, it is also possible to take the drug rectally (25 mg, possibly to be repeated every 4 hours).
Diphenhydramine (eg Aliserin, Diphenes C FN): anticholinergic and antihistamine drug. It is recommended to take the drug at a dosage of 25-50 mg, intravenously.
Ranitidine (eg. Zantac): the drug, belonging to the class of anti-H2 antihistamines, should be administered at a dose of 50 mg intravenously or 150 mg orally, to control the symptoms accompanying anaphylaxis. In general , should be given after the adrenaline injection.

β2 - agonists:

Albuterol or salbutamol (eg. Ventmax, Ventolin, Almeida, Naos): the drug, belonging to the class of β2 - agonists, is indicated to treat bronchospasm associated with anaphylaxis. The drug is administered nasally, applying 2 sprays per nostril every 6-8 hours, or as needed Consult your physician.

Corticosteroids: steroid drugs are essential to reduce inflammation and minimize secondary symptoms related to anaphylaxis

Prednisone (ex. Deltacortene, Lodotra): in case of anaphylaxis, take 50 mg of active ingredient orally, possibly divided into several doses during the 24 hours.
Methylprednisolone (eg Advantan, Metilpre, Depo-medrol, Medrol, Urbason): in the context of anaphylaxis, the indicative dose of this drug is 125 mg intravenously.