Doctors prescribe amoxicillin for a wide variety of bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, bladder, ear, nose, throat and stomach. As a member of the penicillin-like antibiotic group of medications, amoxicillin effectively kills many staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria. Like penicillin, amoxicillin can cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, according to Drugs.com.
Types
Amoxicillin has been associated with erythematous rashes, or reddening of the skin. Allergic rashes from amoxicillin may be exfoliative, or skin-scaling, or purulent, with pus-filled skin lesions. People who are hypersensitive to the drug may develop a skin sloughing complication called Stevens-Johnson syndrome or a life-threatening allergy called anaphylaxis, according to RxList.
Features
Individuals who develop erythematous rashes from amoxicillin may have flattened and/or raised reddened skin areas, says MedlinePlus. Exfoliative rashes involve itchy patches that spread across body surfaces and lead to widespread skin scaling. The rash associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome quickly blisters, causing the top layer of skin to die and slough off. Anaphylaxis may begin with hives and itching, but quickly progresses to respiratory distress and cardiovascular collapse.
Warning
Many of the rashes that develop after individuals take amoxicillin are symptoms of serious and even life-threatening medical conditions. People with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, for example, are admitted to the hospital for medical care to prevent complications that occur once their bodies lose large amounts of protective skin layers. Untreated anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes, says MayoClinic.com.
Prevention/Solution
People who are allergic to penicillin or other penicillin-like drugs are at increased risk of developing allergic rashes in response to amoxicillin, notes Drugs.com. All patients should discuss any history of drug allergies with the prescribing physician before starting any new antibiotic. In cases of allergies, doctors may adjust the dose of amoxicillin or order a different antibiotic.
Expert Insight
PubMed Health recommends stopping amoxicillin use and contacting the doctor immediately when skin reactions occur. These include severe skin rash, hives, pale skin or unusual bruising.
