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Gentamicin-induced anaphylaxis

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Abstract

Background

Gentamicin is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis but immediate (type 1) hypersensitivity is unusual.

Aims and methods

We report a case of anaphylaxis to gentamicin in a 69-year-old man who developed urticaria, hypotension and loss of consciousness within minutes of receiving intravenous gentamicin.

Results

The patient was successfully resuscitated and made a full recovery. Prick testing and patch testing to gentamicin was positive.

Conclusions

Although allergic reactions to gentamicin are well recognised, there are few reported cases of anaphylaxis to gentamicin.

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Notes

  1. Reference to UK Commission on Human Medicines/Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (CHM/MHRA) personal communication.

References

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the UK Commission on Human Medicines/Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (CHM/MHRA) for their help in preparing this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology Department, Adelaide & Meath Hospital Dublin Incorporating The National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland

    M. Connolly

  2. Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland

    J. F. Bourke

  3. Department of Anaesthesia, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland

    J. McAdoo

Authors
  1. M. Connolly
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  2. J. McAdoo
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  3. J. F. Bourke
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Connolly.

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Connolly, M., McAdoo, J. & Bourke, J.F. Gentamicin-induced anaphylaxis. Ir J Med Sci 176, 317–318 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-007-0077-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-007-0077-z

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