dr@ski.UUCP (David Robins) (03/04/86)
Another problem not mentioned is allergic response.
If penicillin was widely and irresponsibly used, the incidence of
allergy to the drug would be much higher. This is because allergies
develop with repeated exposure to the offending allergen. The end-stage
reaction, after the mild ones like rashes, itching, and sweling, is
anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening situation where the is edema of
the larynx, leading to asphyxiation, and fluid in the lungs. If not
treated IMMEDIATELY, death often results.
While it is true this can happen even if the drug has been prescribed,
the incidence would be much higher if is it was abused.
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David Robins, M.D.
Smith-Kettlewell Institute of Visual Sciences
2232 Webster St; San Francisco CA 94115
415/561-1705
{ihnp4,qantel,dual}!ptsfa!ski!dr
The opinions expressed herein do not reflect the opinion of the Institute!