Gyógyszerdeszenzitizáció

Gyógyszerdeszenzitizáció, also known as drug desensitization or rapid desensitization, is a medical procedure used to temporarily reduce a patient's hypersensitivity to a specific medication. This process is typically employed when a patient has a known allergy or adverse reaction to a drug that is deemed essential for their treatment. The goal is not to cure the allergy but to make it possible to administer the medication safely for a limited period, usually during a critical treatment course.

The procedure involves administering gradually increasing doses of the drug over a short timeframe, often a few hours. This controlled exposure aims to trick the immune system into tolerating the medication, thereby preventing or minimizing the allergic reaction. It is a strictly supervised process conducted in a hospital setting by medical professionals experienced in managing allergic reactions. Close monitoring of the patient's vital signs and for any signs of an allergic response is crucial throughout the desensitization.

Gyógyszerdeszenzitizáció is most commonly used for antibiotics like penicillin, which are vital in treating severe infections. It can also be used for other medications, including chemotherapy drugs, radiocontrast agents, and certain anesthetics, when no safe alternative is available. The desensitized state is temporary, and the patient will likely require re-desensitization if they need the drug again in the future. This procedure carries inherent risks and is only undertaken when the benefits of administering the essential medication outweigh the potential risks of an allergic reaction.