Clinical management of adult patients with a history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced urticaria/angioedema: update

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2007 Mar 15;3(1):24-30. doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-3-1-24. Epub 2007 Mar 15.

Abstract

: In the large majority of previous studies, patients with a history of acute urticaria induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seeking safe alternative drugs have undergone tolerance tests uniquely with compounds exerting little or no inhibitory effect on the cyclooxygenase 1 enzyme. In light of recently published studies, however, this approach seems inadequate and should be changed. The present article critically reviews the clinical management of patients presenting with a history of urticaria induced by a single NSAID or multiple NSAIDs and suggests a simple, updated diagnostic algorithm that may assist clinicians in correctly classifying their patients.