Also, one of my children also reacted to septrin syrup as a baby. At two years, when he was given Fansidar, an antimalarial drug that also contains Sulphur, he almost died. Because the tongue was red and the inside of the mouth was red, they suspected measles. Unfortunately, nobody suspected a reaction until much later that a consultant paediatrician doctor linked his condition with Stevens – Johnson syndrome. Based on this experience, I started a study on pharmaco-genetics, which entail looking at how gene can help predict a person’s reaction to a particular drug.
Chinedum Peace Babalola (née Anyabuike) FAS, FAAS is a Nigerian Professor of Pharmaceutical chemistry and Pharmacokinetics. She teaches Pharmacy at the University of Ibadan, FAS, and FAAS while also being the first Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Nigeria
From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Most allergic reactions occur within hours to two weeks after taking the medication and most people react to medications to which they have been exposed to in the past. This process is called “sensitisation.” However, rashes may develop up to six weeks after starting certain types of medications. Rarely, blisters and bleeding inside the skin or the inner surfaces of the intestines may occur. Unfortunately, if it is the life threatening anaphylaxis, it could be fatal. So, it is important to educate people about these possible reactions to drugs.
Almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. Reactions range from irritating or mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Common symptoms of a drug reaction include hives, itching of the skin or eyes, skin rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face and wheezing.
Some drugs are expected to be taken after food, some are to be taken on an empty stomach. For drugs that should be taken in an empty stomach, studies have shown that when taken with food, there is an interaction which may reduce their effectiveness. Rather such drugs can be taken about 30 minutes before food.