US Medical Term · medications
Drug Allergy
Alergia a medicamentos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Drug Allergy |
| Spanish (Español) | Alergia a medicamentos |
| Chinese (中文) | 藥物過敏 |
| Korean (한국어) | 약물 알레르기 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Dị ứng thuốc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Alerhiya sa gamot |
| Portuguese (Português) | Alergia a medicamentos |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การแพ้ยา |
| Japanese (日本語) | 薬物アレルギー |
What it means
A drug allergy is an immune system reaction to a medication in which your body mistakenly identifies the drug as harmful and mounts a defensive response. Reactions range from mild hives, itching, or skin rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis involving throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and dangerously low blood pressure. A drug allergy differs from a side effect because it involves your immune system and can become more severe with each repeated exposure. Common drug allergies include reactions to penicillin, sulfa antibiotics, aspirin, and certain pain relievers. Always disclose known drug allergies to every healthcare provider and pharmacist before receiving any new medication or procedure.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a drug allergy to penicillin. Can I take this antibiotic safely?
Soy alérgico a la penicilina. ¿Puedo tomar este antibiótico sin problemas?
What are the signs of a drug allergy that I should watch for after starting this medication?
¿Cuáles son los signos de alergia a un medicamento que debo vigilar al comenzar este tratamiento?
Please add my drug allergy to my medical record so all my providers are aware.
Por favor agregue mi alergia a medicamentos a mi expediente médico para que todos mis proveedores estén al tanto.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026