Grace Thompson1, Christine Bundell2, Michaela Lucas3. 1. MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA, Clinical Immunologist and Immunopathologist, Department of Immunology, Path West, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA. 2. PHD, MPH, BSc (Hon), Clinical Scientist, Department of Immunology, Path West, Sir@Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA. 3. MD, FRACP, FRCPA, DR MED, Clinical Professor, Department of Immunology, Path West, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UWA, Nedlands, WA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic to which hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Reactions to paracetamol may be due to the pharmacological effects of cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition or, more rarely, due to a selective allergy against paracetamol. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to review the current literature in the context of two cases seen in the authors' allergy practice. DISCUSSION: Paracetamol allergy is uncommon and, as a result, may be overlooked as a cause for immediate hypersensitivity, which can lead to a significant delay in diagnosis. Currently, specialist referral for a supervised oral challenge is required for formal diagnosis.
BACKGROUND:Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic to which hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Reactions to paracetamol may be due to the pharmacological effects of cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition or, more rarely, due to a selective allergy against paracetamol. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to review the current literature in the context of two cases seen in the authors' allergy practice. DISCUSSION: Paracetamolallergy is uncommon and, as a result, may be overlooked as a cause for immediate hypersensitivity, which can lead to a significant delay in diagnosis. Currently, specialist referral for a supervised oral challenge is required for formal diagnosis.