A penicillin allergy occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to penicillin. The reaction can range from a simple rash to swelling, weakness and difficulty breathing. The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America estimates that nearly 400 Americans die each year from allergies to penicillin. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy.
What is Penicillin?
Penicillin is an antibiotic. It can be taken by mouth or injected and is used to fight bacterial infections, such as strep throat, skin infections, bladder infections, ear infections and respiratory infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Amoxicillin is a commonly used form of penicillin.
Symptoms
An allergy to penicillin typically manifests as a rash. Other symptoms may include a more serious itchy rash called hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat or difficulty breathing. These more severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Related Antibiotic Allergies
Penicillins belong to a larger class of antibiotics called beta-lactams. Once someone develops an allergy to one type of penicillin, it is assumed that all beta-lactams may cause a similar reaction. For this reason, another group of beta-lactam antibiotics called cephalosporins should be avoided by those who are allergic to penicillin.
Treatment
If a reaction to penicillin occurs, the medication should be stopped immediately. The medical provider who prescribed the medication should be contacted and informed of the reaction. Mild penicillin reactions such as a slight rash can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream and cool compresses. More severe reactions may require immediate usage of epinephrine in the form of an auto-injector pen and prompt medical attention. Emergency care may be necessary to help with breathing and more severe reactions. Occasionally, an oral or injected prescription medicine may be necessary.
Avoidance
After the reaction has resolved, it is important to inform all future medical providers of this allergy. Because a penicillin allergy is lifelong, any penicillin-containing antibiotic and related medications must be avoided.
