Danger of using medicines by injection at home.
Do you know what anaphylactic shock is?
Anaphylactic shock is a manifestation of a severe immediate-type allergic reaction, accompanied by life-threatening clinical manifestations – a sharp drop in blood pressure, disruption of nervous system activity, disorders of the endocrine and respiratory systems, etc. In other words, it is the body's response to exposure to a certain allergen, as a result of which there is a high risk of a threat to life.
What counts as allergens?
Allergens can be medicinal or diagnostic products, stings of certain insects, foods, household chemicals, etc. The response to an allergen can differ from person to person, both in the form of manifestations and in severity.
Which allergens most often can lead to anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock most often occurs due to the administration of medicinal and diagnostic preparations. Some drugs cause shock more often, others less often, which is related both to their chemical structure and to the specifics of their activity in the body's tissues. We draw attention to the fact that with injectable administration of drugs, drug-induced anaphylactic shock develops immediately, whereas with their use in tablets – after 30-60 minutes.
Which groups of injectable medicines most often can cause anaphylactic shock ?
Such medicines include antibiotics, of which penicillin is the most allergenic because of its structure and its active action in the body. Cases of anaphylactic shock have been described after the first-ever administration of penicillin. This is explained by its prior entry into the body with food or by inhalation of dust containing penicillin molecules. Persons with a penicillin allergy are at risk of anaphylactic shock also upon administration of semisynthetic penicillins (ampicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin) or cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, cefotaxime).
Administration of local anesthetics (for example novocaine, lidocaine) can also cause anaphylactic shock.
What are the first symptoms of anaphylactic shock?
After taking a medicine, the patient or his or her relatives should pay attention to the first symptoms of anaphylactic shock. The patient's first complaints may be a deterioration in general condition, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and so on. Subsequently, swelling of the upper airways may develop, leading to hoarseness, wheezing, coughing, and suffocation. In addition, vomiting, abdominal pain, a drop in blood pressure, headache, anxiety, impaired consciousness, convulsions, and palpitations may be observed. The absence of timely, qualified emergency care from medical personnel leads to cardiac arrest and irreversible processes in vital organs.
What is the first aid for anaphylactic shock?
Contact with the substance that caused the reaction must be stopped urgently and an ambulance called immediately. If epinephrine (adrenaline) is available, inject it immediately intramuscularly into the outer thigh. Check the airway, breathing, circulation and consciousness. Be ready to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Lay the person on their back and raise their legs, unless there is pronounced swelling of the upper airways. If the person is vomiting, turn them onto their left side. If the condition worsens, inject adrenaline again.
Warnings and recommendations for using medicines at home
- Do not self-medicate.
- Dispensing medicines by prescription involves certain precautions for their use, which are specified in the package insert (instructions for medical use).
- Before using the medicine, it is essential to read the package leaflet.
- At home, it is not possible to provide timely emergency medical care in the event of anaphylactic shock. Only in a healthcare facility can the patient receive qualified medical care, which is one of the main conditions for a favorable prognosis.
