The Pharmacy Professionals’ Role in Managing Allergies

Contact Hours: 3.0

The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

Author: Alyssa Yousif, PharmD

This CPE activity has been designated as a knowledge-based program

• Discuss the pathophysiology of Type I, II, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions.
• Categorize hypersensitivity reactions based on rate development of symptoms and type of exposure.
• Recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis, identify patients at risk of anaphylaxis, and educate on the administration of epinephrine.
• Review pseudoallergy and how it differs from the immune response observed in allergic reactions.
• Identify common allergens (latex, insect stings, food, medications, and exercise), available testing for diagnosis of suspected allergies, and preferred treatments for these reactions.
• Describe the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic contact dermatitis.
• Assess a patient presenting with symptoms of allergic rhinitis to distinguish allergy from common cold or underlying conditions such as asthma.
• Outline interview questions for patients to evaluate severity of symptoms and efficacy of previous tested therapies.
• Discuss available pharmacologic treatment for common symptoms of allergies including treatment goals, cautions, side effects, and administration techniques.
• List lifestyle and non pharmacologic options that pharmacists can recommend along with ways in which their particular healthcare settings can impact therapy.