DRUG-REACTIONS AND DESENSITIZATION IN AIDS

Drug reactions are a major problem for patients with HIV infections an d AIDS. The mechanisms involved in the reactions are often disputed or unknown. Immunological processes, toxic metabolites and genetic facto rs have been postulated to be underlying causes of these drug reaction s, but full proof is lacking. A common reaction that includes cutaneou s rash and fever may be associated with mucosal, hepatic and hematolog ic abnormalities. Reactions of this type can be produced by many diffe rent agents although the typical and best documented cause of drug rea ctions in HIV-infected patients is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Mana gement of adverse drug reactions requires sound medical judgement, a k nowledge of alternative treatment options, and an understanding of whe n to attempt and when to discontinue the drug. In some instances desen sitization has proven useful.