Embodiments of the invention include methods of preventing and/or reducing the risk or severity of an allergic reaction in an individual. In some embodiments, particular small molecules are employed for prevention and/or reduction in the risk or severity of anaphylaxis. In at least particular cases, the small molecules are inhibitors of STAT3. In some cases, the small molecule comprises N-(1&prime；,2-dihydroxy-1,2&prime；-binaphthalen-4&prime；-yl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide.
