What is the most common consequence of an allergic response to medication?

The most common consequence of an allergic response to medication manifests as a skin rash, often characterized by dermatitis accompanied by swelling of the lips and eyes. This response occurs when the immune system identifies the medication as a harmful substance, triggering an inflammatory reaction. Skin lesions can vary in appearance, but they frequently include redness, itching, and swelling, making them one of the more recognizable signs of an allergy.

While urticaria, or hives, and angioedema are also common manifestations of drug allergies, the generalized skin rash with accompanying facial swelling tends to be more prevalent and noticeable in the initial allergic response. Other choices, like persistent cough and shortness of breath, represent more severe or systemic reactions that are less frequently observed in the broader population, enhancing the likelihood that dermatitis with facial swelling is commonly recognized as the primary consequence of medication allergies.