Medicines that may cause swelling
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause swelling. You may be having an allergic reaction if swelling develops suddenly after taking a new medicine. The seriousness of the allergic reaction caused by a medicine will vary. If you think that you are having an allergic reaction to a medicine, call your health professional to discuss your symptoms.
Medicines or solutions used in medical procedures that may cause swelling related to an allergic reaction include:
- Antibiotics, such as penicillins, cephalosporins, or sulfa (sulfonamides).
- Aspirin as well as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Vaccines.
- Antiseizure medicines.
- Barbiturates.
- Local anesthetics.
- Contrast dyes used in X-ray studies.
- Blood products.
- Certain enzymes, such as trypsin.
Medicines that may cause swelling as a side effect include:
- Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone oral contraceptives or testosterone.
- Dilantin, which causes swelling of the gums (gingival hypoplasia).
- Corticosteroid therapy, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, when taken for long periods of time.
- ACE inhibitors, such as captopril or quinapril.
Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking it.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 3, 2008 |
| Medical Review: |
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
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