Intradermal test dose hypersensitivity reactions to antibiotics in a tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Skin tests like the intradermal test (IDT) and skin prick test can be used for drug hypersensitivity prediction. An IDT is done by injecting intradermally an allergen or drug solution of volume 0.02–0.05 ml by raising a small bleb 3 mm in diameter. The injection site is read after 15–20 min for immediate reactions. The IDT is routinely done before administration of full-dose antibiotic in the majority of the hospitals. Aim and Objectives: The aims and objectives were to study the frequency of IDT dose hypersensitivity reactions to antibiotics and its outcome. Materials and Methods: 0.2 ml of the antibiotic was injected intradermally before full dose of the same. The test reading was done after 15–30 min after the injection and we looked for wheal, flare reaction, and itching. The drug causing the reaction, time of reaction, description of the reaction, the organ affected, and the outcome of the reaction were noted. Results: Two hundred and fifty-three patients were included in the study of which 32 patients had local hypersensitivity reactions to IDT dose. Redness and redness with induration were the most common reactions. The reaction to IDT dose of ciprofloxacin was the most commonly seen reaction in this study. Conclusion: The present study showed that the hypersensitivity reaction to IDT dose before the full dose of the antibiotic was fairly common and the IDT is possibly helpful in preventing allergic reactions to full dose.