May 22, 2012
Topics A-Z Drugs First Time Allergic Reaction to Amoxicillin
First Time Allergic Reaction to Amoxicillin |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Last year I was on Amoxicillin for an infection and developed a bad rash. The doctor said that I probably had an allergic reaction to the medication and was probably allergic to Penicillin. I've taken Amoxicillin before and have never had any allergic reaction. Do people suddenly develop allergies like this to medications? Should I refrain from taking any medications with Penicillin? Or was this likely a one-time occurance? I have been marking on my medical information that I am allergic to Penicillin just to be on the safe side. Dear Cassandra: Hello, I understand your worry about possible Penicillin allergy. First of all I want you to understand that Penicillin allergy is an overreaction by your immune system to penicillin and related antibiotics. This reaction to taking may range from a rash to anaphylaxis, a potentially life threatening condition. People aren't born allergic to penicillin, but you can develop penicillin allergy once you've been exposed to the drug. After that, re-exposure to penicillin or related antibiotics can trigger an allergic reaction, sometimes more severe than the reaction to the first exposure. If a simplest reaction to Penicillin or amoxicillin which belongs to the same family such as rash occurs, it would be better to avoid Penicillin and derivates the next time that you need antibiotics as the reaction from your immune system could increase as well. To confirm the diagnosis of Penicillin allergy your doctor could give you a referral to an Allergist which will test you with a procedure called “Skin Test” your sensitivity to the drug. I hope I could clear your uncertainties. I wish you the best.
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 28 March 2010 ) |
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