Sadra Medical Journal

Non-Pharmacological Management of Allergic Drug Reaction (ADR) Using Phlebotomy: A Case Report

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

Babak Daneshfard 1, 2, 3
Mahboubeh Sadat Fateminasab 4, 5
Marjan Saati 6
Elham Akhtari 7, 8
Mohammad Mahdi Parvizi 9, 10, 11

1 Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Noor Persian Medicine Clinic (NPMC), Mehestan, Alborz, Iran

3 Canadian College of Integrative Medicine (CCIM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

4 Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

6 Paya Persian Medicine Clinic (PPMC), Tehran, Iran

7 Institue for Studies in Medical History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

8 Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

9 Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

10 Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

11 Department of Medical Journalism, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2026.107164.1640
Abstract
Introduction: Allergic drug reactions (ADRs) constitute a significant clinical challenge, frequently necessitating prompt and effective intervention. Conventional management primarily involves pharmacological agents such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, which may be contraindicated or associated with adverse effects in certain patients.
Case Presentation: This case report presented a 37-year-old woman who developed generalized skin erythema and pruritus approximately 2 hours following intravenous administration of a vitamin B-complex formulation. In the absence of pharmacological treatment, a non-pharmacological intervention inspired by principles of Persian medicine was implemented. The intervention consisted of an intravenous infusion of 500 mL of normal saline into the right hand, concurrently with phlebotomy (venesection) of 200 mL from the left hand. Remarkably, five minutes of initiating the procedure, the patient experienced complete resolution of pruritus, accompanied by a progressive reduction in skin erythema and discoloration.
Conclusion: This case demonstrated the potential efficacy of a simple, rapid, and cost-effective non-pharmacological approach in managing acute allergic drug reactions without using pharmaceutical agents. The observed clinical improvement supported the hypothesis that phlebotomy—rooted in traditional Persian medical theory—might play a role in modulating acute hypersensitivity responses. Besides, it underscored the need for further clinical studies to establish the implications of phlebotomy in the management of allergic reactions and scientifically evaluate its safety, mechanisms, and applicability in broader settings.

Keywords

Case report
Drug allergy
Persian medicine
Phlebotomy
Venesection
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 912-917

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