Dental drugs and anaphylactic reactions. Report of a case

The patient described here experienced an acute anaphylactic reaction after receiving parenteral lidocaine, oral aspirin, codeine, and penicillin following routine dental treatment. The patient had taken all of the drugs previously with no untoward effects. The incidence and mechanisms of drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions are discussed. The importance of monitoring the patient following drug administration, even in the case of a negative medical and drug history, is discussed.