Documentation of possible drug allergy

Documenting new suspected drug allergic reactions

When a person presents with suspected drug allergy, document their reaction in a structured approach that includes:

• the generic and proprietary name of the drug or drugs suspected to have caused the reaction, including the strength and formulation
• a description of the reaction
• the indication for the drug being taken (if there is no clinical diagnosis, describe the illness)
• the date and time of the reaction
• the number of doses taken or number of days on the drug before onset of the reaction
• the route of administration
• which drugs or drug classes to avoid in future

Reference:

• NICE (September 2014). Drug allergy: diagnosis and management of drug allergy in adults, children and young people