About this topic
Drug allergy is a reaction to a drug. Your body has a reaction after taking a penicillin drug. You may have a group of signs after taking this kind of drug. You have an allergy if your body reacts to a drug or other substance that is in most cases harmless. � �
You can get an allergy once you have been exposed to the drug. The reaction often happens a few weeks after you start taking the drug. � �
If you are allergic to one kind of penicillin, you are likely allergic to all kinds of penicillin. You also have an allergy to drugs that are closely related to penicillin. These are other antibiotics like cephalosporin. This does not mean that you are allergic to all antibiotics. Always talk to your doctor about your drug allergy. � �
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What are the causes?
A drug allergy is caused when your immune system deals with a harmless substance in a drug as a threat. Then, it lets loose chemicals to keep the "threat " � from harming your body. Instead, the chemicals cause the signs of an allergic response. � �
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Your family history may raise your risk for a drug allergy. You are at a higher risk for a drug allergy if someone in your family has:
- Allergies, especially to other drugs
- Asthma
- How the drug is given to you may raise your chance of having a drug allergy. You may have to take the drug in a pill form. Other times, it may be given as a shot or through an I.V.
- The amount of drug you take can raise your chances of having an allergy. So can how often you have to take it and how long you have to take the drug.
- Certain health conditions like HIV, AIDS, or cystic fibrosis can raise your chances of a drug allergy.
What are the main signs?
- Skin reaction:
- Itchy skin and eyes
- Skin rashes and redness
- Skin swelling
- Hives
- Swelling, itching of the lips, tongue, throat, and face
- Lung reaction:
- Swelling of the throat
- Chest tightness
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Other serious signs like:
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Rapid or weak pulse
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will talk to you about your history. Your doctor will ask about: � �
- All the drugs you are taking. These include all prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and herbal supplements. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- When your allergy began to appear
- Past reactions to penicillin drugs and other drugs
- A family history of drug allergies
Your doctor will do an exam and may look for: � �
- Skin rashes or redness
- Swollen body parts, like the face and lymph nodes
- Breathing problems
Your doctor may do special tests to learn more about your allergies. � �
- Skin test � � � The doctor will scratch or inject a small amount of penicillin into the skin. If you have this allergy, you will see redness or other skin reactions.
- Blood tests � � � Your doctor will take a blood sample to check how your immune system responds to this drug.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Care is based on your signs. Your doctor may want you to: � �
- Stop taking this drug
- Use some other drug
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor will order drugs to: � �
- Ease signs like swelling and itching
- Ease allergic reactions
- Help asthma-like signs
- Treat skin rashes
Your doctor may give you an emergency shot. This may help control serious allergic reactions. You may also be given a special shot to carry with you. This would be used if you have some other serious reaction to penicillin drugs. � �
Will there be any other care needed?
- Wear a medical alert ID that tells of your drug allergy. This can help you in emergency cases.
- Be sure to tell all your doctors that you have an allergy to penicillin drugs.
- Always carry your emergency drugs with you in case you have allergic reactions.
- If you think you have an allergy while taking penicillin drugs, see your doctor right away.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- There is no sure way to prevent a penicillin allergy.
- You may be able to prevent a reaction if you:
- Do not take penicillin drugs and other like antibiotics.
- Make sure that you read the label and know the content of your drugs.
Where can I learn more?
Allergist � �
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/drug-allergy/Pages/penicillin-allergy.aspx � �
Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy � �
http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/hp-information/asthma-and-allergy/allergic-reactions-to-antibiotics � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �