Drug desensitization

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Drug desensitization is a technique for suppressing dangerous immune reactions to specific drugs, such that the drug may be used for treatment. It uses different approaches than allergy desensitization, intended to produce long-term effects. [1]

It is primarily directed at Type I, or immunoglobulin E-mediated, in the Gell and Coombs classification of immune reactions. The interaction of these with the drug causes degranulation of basophils and mast cells, which release or produce immune mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. [2]

References

  1. "Drug Desensitization", Wake Forest School of Medicine
  2. Miriam K Anand and John M Route (21 April 2010), "Hypersensitivity Reactions, Immediate", eMedicine