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Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
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Adverse reactions to drug additives.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 1, 1984
Summary
Pharmaceutical additives like parabens and sulfites can cause hypersensitivity reactions. While sulfites trigger asthma attacks, other additives rarely cause reactions in asthmatics, including those sensitive to aspirin.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- Numerous pharmaceutical additives are utilized, with most lacking documented hypersensitivity links.
- Established hypersensitivity reactions involve parabens (rare IgE-mediated reactions to local anesthetics) and sulfites (severe asthma exacerbations).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established hypersensitivity reactions to pharmaceutical additives.
- To clarify the role of additives in conditions like hyperactivity and urticaria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hypersensitivity reactions to pharmaceutical additives.
- Analysis of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies concerning additive reactions in asthmatic populations.
Main Results:
- Parabens are linked to rare IgE-mediated reactions post-local anesthetic use.
- Sulfites are known triggers for severe asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
- Additives are not significantly linked to hyperactivity; their role in urticaria remains unclear.
- Reactions to tartrazine and other non-sulfite additives are rare in asthmatics, even those with aspirin sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Hypersensitivity reactions to pharmaceutical additives are uncommon, with parabens and sulfites being the most well-documented culprits.
- The evidence does not support a significant role for additives in hyperactivity.
- Further research is needed to establish the incidence of adverse reactions to additives in urticaria patients.
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