ABSTRACT
High molecular weight drugs such as antisera and insulin are more likely to produce allergic reactions than lower molecular weight drugs. The putative mechanisms underlying the development of allergic reactions are not completely understood. Consequently for most drugs there are currently no reliable tests to diagnose drug allergy. Several studies have shown involvement of both IgE and nonIgE-mediated mechanisms in drug allergy. The main non-IgE-mediated mechanisms include the activation of a complement pathway, direct mast cell degranulation, immune complex mediated-tissue insult, T-cell-driven and involvement of the kinin system.
