ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO TRANQUILIZING DRUGS

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Abstract
Allergic reactions constitute the most important complications from two of the three major classes of tranquilizing drugs. Chlorpromazine sensitivity may be manifested by agranulocytosis (rarely), jaundice, skin eruptions, fever and eosinophilia. Other pheno-thiazine derivatives may produce agranulocytosis (promazine, mepazine) or jaundice (mepazine), but some (prochlorperazine, perphenazine) apparently do not. Both agranulocytosis and jaundice appear to be allergic reactions, though immunologic proof is lacking. Positive challenge tests support this idea. Reserpine is of low allergenicity. Both thrombopenic and non-thrombopenic purpura may be caused by this agent. Urticaria, angioneurotic edema and photosensitive dermatitis are also rarely encountered. Meprobamate sensitivity is manifested by fever, skin rashes and constitutional signs, including vascular collapse. The reaction may often appear with the first exposure to the drug. Evidence suggests that the carbamic acid portion of the molecule may be the structure of importance in such sensitivity. Other sedatives also have this structure, suggesting prior sensitization to it in some cases of meprobamate reactions.

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