A pharmacologic review of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis occurs in the surgical population and may have devastating consequences. Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions are immediate hypersensitivity reactions that are most commonly precipitated by medications, insect stings, and foods. In the surgical population, 47.4% of immediate hypersensitivity reactions were precipitated by neuromuscular blocking agents, followed by latex and antibiotics in 20% and 18.1% of cases, respectively. Initial treatment consists of removing the precipitating trigger, administering epinephrine, and correct patient positioning. Secondary prevention measures should be instituted to prevent future occurrences. All health care professionals should have an understanding of the clinical presentation and medical management of anaphylaxis to improve patient outcomes.