Which term describes an abnormal response that occurs because a person has developed antibodies against the drug?

Which term describes an abnormal response that occurs because a person has developed antibodies against the drug?

• A. Allergy
• B. Anaphylaxis
• C. Idiosyncrasy
• D. Tolerance

Answer: (A)

Drug allergy is an immune-mediated reaction that happens when the body forms antibodies (or sensitized immune cells) to a medication. Upon exposure, the immune system recognizes the drug as foreign and mounts a response, leading to symptoms that reflect an antibody-driven process. This is exactly what’s described when an abnormal reaction occurs because antibodies have developed against the drug. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of allergic reaction, not the general term for all antibody-mediated drug responses. Idiosyncrasy refers to an unpredictable, nonimmune reaction that isn’t caused by antibodies or prior sensitization. Tolerance means that the body becomes less responsive to a drug with repeated use, which is a different mechanism altogether.

Drug allergy is an immune-mediated reaction that happens when the body forms antibodies (or sensitized immune cells) to a medication. Upon exposure, the immune system recognizes the drug as foreign and mounts a response, leading to symptoms that reflect an antibody-driven process. This is exactly what’s described when an abnormal reaction occurs because antibodies have developed against the drug.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of allergic reaction, not the general term for all antibody-mediated drug responses. Idiosyncrasy refers to an unpredictable, nonimmune reaction that isn’t caused by antibodies or prior sensitization. Tolerance means that the body becomes less responsive to a drug with repeated use, which is a different mechanism altogether.