CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 10(3),pp. 357 (1977)
Clinical Toxicology Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Newcastle on 12/30/14 For personal use only.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Insect Sting Allergy Kits
September 9, 1976 Dear Sir, I think a comment is indicated concerning Dr. Frazier' s article regarding insect sting allergy kits. The efficacy of adrenalin is not the issue, but rather Dr. Frazier's exhortations to change the law to permit the s a l e of these kits without a prescription. In our zeal to slay the dragon Anaphylaxis, we must keep our perspective and never forget that adrenalin is a dangerous drug. Adrenalin may harm o r even kill patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, narrow angle glaucoma, pregnancy, and psychoneuroses. Improperly administered, adrenalin may cause strokes and tissue sloughs, and finally some medications may block the action of adrenalin o r predispose the heart to arrythmias. I am certain that Dr. Frazier explains this to his patients, but I cannot understand why he feels it is an imposition to then spend a minute o r so writing a prescription. Requiring a prescription is c e r tainly not a punitive regulation, but rather a safeguard to keep uninformed lay persons from obtaining this drug. I think requiring prescriptions for adrenalin is certainly in the best interests of the public and to do otherwise would be a disaster. Thank you, Robert E. Arnold, M.D. Louisville, Kentucky
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Clinical Toxicology Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Newcastle on 12/30/14 For personal use only.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Insect Sting Allergy Kits
September 9, 1976 Dear Sir, I think a comment is indicated concerning Dr. Frazier' s article regarding insect sting allergy kits. The efficacy of adrenalin is not the issue, but rather Dr. Frazier's exhortations to change the law to permit the s a l e of these kits without a prescription. In our zeal to slay the dragon Anaphylaxis, we must keep our perspective and never forget that adrenalin is a dangerous drug. Adrenalin may harm o r even kill patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, narrow angle glaucoma, pregnancy, and psychoneuroses. Improperly administered, adrenalin may cause strokes and tissue sloughs, and finally some medications may block the action of adrenalin o r predispose the heart to arrythmias. I am certain that Dr. Frazier explains this to his patients, but I cannot understand why he feels it is an imposition to then spend a minute o r so writing a prescription. Requiring a prescription is c e r tainly not a punitive regulation, but rather a safeguard to keep uninformed lay persons from obtaining this drug. I think requiring prescriptions for adrenalin is certainly in the best interests of the public and to do otherwise would be a disaster. Thank you, Robert E. Arnold, M.D. Louisville, Kentucky
3 57
