Patients with certain types of bacterial infections, such as lung or ear infections, may be prescribed clarithromycin, a medication that helps stop the growth and spread of bacteria through the body. Rarely, patients taking this medication for the first time may develop clarithromycin allergy symptoms due to an adverse reaction to treatment. Clarithromycin allergy symptoms can be severe and require immediate emergency medical attention to prevent further complications.
Itchy Skin and Hives
Patients who have an allergy to clarithromycin can experience skin-related symptoms upon initial exposure. Allergic patients can develop red, swollen patches of skin across the body--an allergy symptom called hives or urticaria. Hives can appear inflamed and may begin to itch profusely. During clinical trials for this medication, approximately 1 to 2 percent of patients reported experiencing a hypersensitivity reaction, such as skin rash, to clarithromycin, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Certain patients may also develop red patches across the skin that form tender, fluid-filled blisters.
Facial Swelling
Allergic patients who are exposed to clarithromycin can develop facial swelling as an allergy symptom. The face, lips, tongue or throat can become abnormally enlarged or puffy, which may interfere with a patient's ability to talk, swallow or breathe normally. Certain patients may also develop swelling within the hands or feet. These allergy symptoms can make it difficult to move the unusually enlarged body region. Abnormal swelling--especially within the face--can indicate a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis and requires immediate medical intervention.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties can arise in allergic patients exposed to clarithromycin. Certain patients can experience shortness of breath, cough or wheezing as clarithromycin allergy symptoms, warns KidsHealth.org, a children's health information website supported by the Nemours Foundation. Swelling of the throat may close off an affected patient's airway, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening breathing complications. Patients who develop any of these allergy symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Heart Rate Irregularities
An allergy to clarithromycin can cause exposed patients to develop heart-related symptoms. Affected patients may experience an unusually fast or irregular heartbeat, which may contribute to sensations of fatigue or dizziness. Certain allergic patients can faint or lose consciousness after taking a dose of clarithromycin. These potentially life-threatening clarithromycin allergy symptoms require prompt medical attention if they occur.
