Anaphylactic shock, an acute allergic reaction, occurs most frequently with which drug?

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs most frequently in response to certain medications, particularly antibiotics. Penicillin is well-known for its ability to trigger such severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

The mechanisms behind anaphylaxis related to penicillin involve the formation of IgE antibodies in response to the drug, which can lead to the release of mediators like histamine from mast cells and basophils upon subsequent exposure. This can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and significant drops in blood pressure.

While the other antibiotics listed can have various adverse effects, they are less commonly associated with anaphylactic reactions. Clindamycin, erythromycin, and azithromycin can cause other types of allergic reactions or side effects, but the occurrence of anaphylaxis is markedly less frequent compared to penicillin. This makes penicillin the drug most often linked with anaphylactic shock.