ABSTRACT
Introduction Adverse drug reactions (ADR) constitute a common medical problem in all countries. It has been reported that allergic reactions to drugs account for 5-10% of ADRs and probability of allergic reaction for most drugs is 1-2%. Amongst many drugs involved in ADR, antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are at the top of the list. Although allergic reactions to drugs can affect individuals at any stage in their lives, it is seen most commonly in young or middle-aged adults. Epidemiological studies have shown that drug allergy is more frequently seen in women. Recent studies have linked HLA haplotypes to drug allergy: HLA-DQW2 in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma, HLA-DRW2/DRW3 in patients with D-penicillamine allergy and HLA-B7DR2DR3 in patients with insulin allergy. A familial predisposition to antimicrobial allergy has also been reported. Children who have one parent allergic to an antimicrobial have a 15-fold higher risk of developing an allergic reaction to an antibiotic as opposed to a child whose parents are not
