Tag: Anaphylactoid reaction

Affecting between 5% and 50% of hospitalized patients receiving intravenous vancomycin, a vancomycin infusion reaction (VIR), also known as red man syndrome vancomycin, is a common but manageable adverse event. This anaphylactoid reaction, triggered by the drug's rapid infusion, causes distinct symptoms, including flushing and a pruritic rash.

True, immune-mediated anaphylactic reactions to opioids are very rare, affecting less than 1-2% of patients. However, morphine can cause a clinically similar, but more common, non-immune reaction called a pseudoallergy that triggers histamine release. Understanding the distinction is crucial for safe pain management.

Over the past few years, the medical community has shifted away from the outdated and potentially insensitive term 'red man syndrome'. The syndrome is now more accurately and respectfully referred to as vancomycin infusion reaction (VIR) or vancomycin flushing syndrome (VFS). This change reflects a better understanding of the condition and a move toward more inclusive medical language.