Which condition is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity that usually occurs within minutes of administering the drug?

Which condition is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity that usually occurs within minutes of administering the drug?

• A. Adverse drug effect
• B. Hypersensitivity
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Idiosyncrasy

Answer: (C)

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reaction that typically occurs within minutes of exposure to a trigger such as a drug. It happens when mediators released from mast cells and basophils cause widespread effects—so symptoms can include hives, swelling of the face or airway, wheezing or shortness of breath, throat tightness, and a drop in blood pressure leading to shock. Because this reaction can escalate rapidly and threaten breathing and circulation, it requires urgent treatment: stop the offending drug and give epinephrine right away, with supportive measures like securing the airway, providing oxygen, and administering intravenous fluids. Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be added but do not replace the need for epinephrine. This fits the description because the onset is rapid after drug exposure and the reaction is both systemic and life-threatening. Other terms describe different scenarios: an adverse drug effect is any unwanted effect that may not involve the immune system or be immediate; hypersensitivity covers immune-mediated reactions that can range in severity and timing; idiosyncrasy refers to an unusual reaction not explained by dose or known pharmacology, not necessarily immune-driven or rapid.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reaction that typically occurs within minutes of exposure to a trigger such as a drug. It happens when mediators released from mast cells and basophils cause widespread effects—so symptoms can include hives, swelling of the face or airway, wheezing or shortness of breath, throat tightness, and a drop in blood pressure leading to shock. Because this reaction can escalate rapidly and threaten breathing and circulation, it requires urgent treatment: stop the offending drug and give epinephrine right away, with supportive measures like securing the airway, providing oxygen, and administering intravenous fluids. Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be added but do not replace the need for epinephrine.

This fits the description because the onset is rapid after drug exposure and the reaction is both systemic and life-threatening. Other terms describe different scenarios: an adverse drug effect is any unwanted effect that may not involve the immune system or be immediate; hypersensitivity covers immune-mediated reactions that can range in severity and timing; idiosyncrasy refers to an unusual reaction not explained by dose or known pharmacology, not necessarily immune-driven or rapid.