Penicillin
A common question that doctors ask their patients prior to prescribing antibiotics is whether or not the patient has allergies to penicillin. This is because some people are allergic to penicillin.
An allergic attack happens when a patient takes penicillin and the body’s immune system reacts excessively to the antibiotics.
Signs of Allergic Reaction to Penicillin
You will know if a person is allergic to penicillin when, after taking the antibiotic, these symptoms will appear: rashes, hives, itchy eyes, and swollen lips, tongue, or face.
Normally, mild allergic reaction to penicillin may be arrested or easily put under control with antihistamines that can be bought over-the-counter or without a prescription. However, it is still best to consult a doctor when an allergic reaction to penicillin is observed.
In rare cases, the allergic reaction can be fatal. Very rarely, an allergy to penicillin may cause an anaphylactic reaction which can be deadly. This type of reaction usually develops within an hour after the penicillin is taken. These are the symptoms: diarrhea, nausea, hives, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, dizziness, rapid or weak pulse, skin turning blue, and loss of consciousness. When these symptoms are observed, do not waste time and seek for immediate medical attention. Go to a hospital or call your emergency hotline. Anaphylactic reaction should be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
When a person has anaphylactic reaction, the emergency treatment is an epinephrine shot. In severe conditions when symptoms do not go away, the person may need more shots or he may need antihistamines and corticosteroids injected directly into a vein. This is normally done by emergency personnel.
How Will You Know If You Are Allergic to Penicillin?
A skin test done by your doctor is the best way to find out whether you have a penicillin allergy.
There may be times when, after taking an antibiotic, you will feel something unpleasant that you can not explain. Do not panic immediately. Sometimes what you are feeling may only be an adverse reaction or a side effect to the antibiotic you’ve just taken in. However, watch closely for signs of allergy.
Other Drug Allergies
Aside from Penicillin, there are also other antibiotics that may cause drug allergies. Closely related antibiotics to Penicillin that cause allergies include Cephalosporins such as Cephalexin, Cefprozil, and Cefuroxime.
A word of advice to people who have had a previous serious reaction or anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, carrying an allergy kit is a must, and the allergy kit should always have a shot of epinephrine. People who are known to have allergies to Penicillin must be trained on how to inject themselves with epinephrine.
Here’s another important word of caution: never self medicate especially with antibiotics. If you need an antibiotic, see a doctor and he will prescribe the best antibiotic for you.
Lastly, if you are allergic to penicillin, always indicate this is your ID, or always carry with you a marker that says you are. These ID’s may just save your life when you least expect it.
