High Blood Pressure Medication & Allergic Reaction

Has anyone any experience with developing widespead multiple chemical sensitivity and allergic reactions to all kinds of foods and unknown allergens involving swelling of the tongue and respiratory distress following a medication for high blood pressure?  This is a senior citizen who is in otherwise very good health but is losing so much weight because she cannot eat anything and this is baffling doctors.  All suspected allergins were removed but she still experiences anaphylactic type symptoms requiring Epipen and Reactin which increases the blood pressure.  If anyone could provide some insight or possible explanations it would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

A severe reaction can occur when an allergic person's immune system produces the allergic antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E) in response to a drug. When the person's body encounters the drug again, IgE antibody bound to certain cells, called mast cells, can result in an explosive release of histamine and other chemicals. This triggers symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may range from scattered hives to anaphylaxis.

I strongly feel that you should consult an allergist as you are allergic to many things,even some foods. Blood tests like RAST may help in identifying the various allergens and you can avoid them. You can also discuss the option of immunotherapy or allergy shots with your allergist. When you get shots of the allergen, your body makes antibodies to the allergen. The next time you have contact with the allergen, these antibodies help block its effect.It is very effective in treating drug allergies.

Hope it helps.

Take care and regards.

[jasucsp]

I have noticed that my blood pressure has been alittle high again, so I had taken my blood pressure meds.  In about 2hrs I noticed numbness n my hands and legs, chills, and severe lower back pain...This is the second day.. I still have numbness and if I am laying down I am fine, but standing or sitting I need to keep my hands up, and shift from one leg to the other....Could I have had an allergic reation to my meds?

[MartinPavey]

I suffer allergic reactions to blood pressure medications. Over a long period I have tried a huge number of different BP meds, and not found one that eventually didn't make me feel unwell. The most recent, Candesartan, lowered my BP in the first few days, but after that it gradually rose again to a point where my BP was way above normal levels and I was suffering severe chest pains.. I have suffered adverse reactions with all the other BP meds although the side effects vary, but all are intolerable.. I am also severely allergic to Penicillin. As a type 1 diabetic, the doctors want to lower my BP a little, but they are at a loss to know what to try next.