Typically, when a drug triggers urticaria, symptoms manifest within 24 hours of ingestion, aiding in the identification of the causative agent.
[3] The primary mechanism for drug-induced urticaria involves a type-I hypersensitivity reaction mediated by IgE antibodies, commonly observed with ß-lactam use.
[4] Additionally, drug-induced urticaria can result from the activation of the complement cascade, a type-III hypersensitivity mediated by immune complexes.
Complement cascade activation generates anaphylatoxins, releasing chemical mediators from basophils and mast cells, subsequently causing urticaria.
Symptoms typically resolve upon removal of the causal agent, and management may involve anti-histamines or corticosteroids based on the severity of the reaction.