Allergy
Medicines for Peanut allergy
One of the most common food allergies, which can cause severe reactions — managed by strict avoidance and always carrying emergency treatment for those at risk of anaphylaxis.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Peanut allergy?
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and important food allergies, often beginning in childhood and frequently lifelong. It occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in peanuts.
- How it is treated: The cornerstone of management is strict avoidance of peanuts and foods that may contain them or traces, which means careful label-reading and awareness when eating out.
- Self-care: Strict avoidance with careful label-reading, informing restaurants and schools, carrying prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors at all times if at risk, and having an allergy action plan are key.
- When to seek help: Call 999 immediately for signs of anaphylaxis — difficulty breathing, throat tightness, swelling, wheeze, feeling faint or collapse — and use an adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed.
What it is
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and important food allergies, often beginning in childhood and frequently lifelong. It occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins in peanuts. Reactions usually start quickly after exposure and can range from mild (itching, hives, tummy upset, swelling around the mouth) to severe and life-threatening (anaphylaxis), with throat tightness, difficulty breathing, wheeze, a drop in blood pressure or collapse. Even tiny amounts, or traces from cross-contamination, can trigger a reaction in sensitive people. Peanuts are legumes, distinct from tree nuts, though some people are allergic to both. Diagnosis is based on the history and allergy testing.
How it is treated
The cornerstone of management is strict avoidance of peanuts and foods that may contain them or traces, which means careful label-reading and awareness when eating out. People at risk of severe reactions are prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors and taught how and when to use them, and given a written allergy action plan; those around them (family, schools) should also know what to do. Antihistamines help milder reactions. For anaphylaxis, adrenaline is given without delay and emergency help called. Some children are offered specialist treatments to reduce sensitivity. Wearing medical-alert identification and regular allergy review are helpful. Care may involve an allergy specialist.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Peanut allergy
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Strict avoidance with careful label-reading, informing restaurants and schools, carrying prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors at all times if at risk, and having an allergy action plan are key. Educating family, friends and carers on recognising and treating reactions is vital.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Call 999 immediately for signs of anaphylaxis — difficulty breathing, throat tightness, swelling, wheeze, feeling faint or collapse — and use an adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed. See a GP or allergy clinic for diagnosis and a management plan.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Peanut allergy: frequently asked questions
Can peanut allergy be cured?
There is no simple cure, and it is often lifelong, so strict avoidance and carrying emergency treatment are key. Some children are offered specialist treatments to reduce sensitivity, decided with an allergy specialist.
Are peanuts the same as tree nuts?
No — peanuts are legumes, while tree nuts (such as almonds and cashews) are different. Some people are allergic to both, so this is checked with an allergy specialist.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CG116 — Food allergy in children and young people
- NHS — Food allergy / Anaphylaxis
Related conditions
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