Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin class of antibiotics, which is routinely prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections. Drug allergies are commonly triggered by penicillin-type antibiotics, including amoxicillin, which are repeatedly prescribed for chronic recurring infections, such as childhood ear infections. A drug allergy is an abnormal overreaction of the immune system to a prescribed drug, which may have been taken without incident previously. The immune system can mistake the drug for a foreign invader and activate immune system and inflammatory responses, which can cause various medical symptoms ranging from fairly mild to life-threatening.
Skin Symptoms
The first symptom of a drug allergy to amoxicillin is often a red rash on the skin, and possibly hives. Hives are a kind of raised bumpy rash that appears rapidly over the skin. Rashes as a result of a drug allergy usually occur minutes after taking the drug. Drug allergy rashes are extremely itchy and spread rapidly over all over the body. Corticosteroid can be used to suppress the itching. Even if the symptoms go away, it is critical to call your doctor and describe the reaction so she can change your medications. If you ignore the symptoms, your next exposure to the same drug can result in more dangerous symptoms.
Facial Swelling and Respiratory Symptoms
If the rash continues to spread, and new symptoms appear, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or face, it is time to go to the emergency room. The rash and swelling symptoms are in response to the release of histamines and can be reversed by giving the patient epinephrine. Wheezing and trouble breathing require immediate emergency care.
Anaphylaxis
If not treated immediately, these progressively severe allergic response can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. Patients suffering from anaphylaxis exhibit progressively worsening symptoms including abdominal pain and cramping, mental confusion, rashes over the entire body, fast or irregular heart beat, dizziness, faintness, vomiting and diarrhea. If anaphylaxis is untreated, the patient may die. Epinephrine, which can be injected using an epinephrine containing syringe or "epi pen," is the usual treatment. Epinephrine relieves breathing symptoms by dilating the bronchial tubes. Epinephrine also short-circuits the excessive immune system response which produces the other symptoms associated with dangerous drug allergies. The effect of epinephrine is immediate and recovery is usually complete. Because the onset of symptoms is so rapid and can cause death, physicians may recommend that you wear a medical alert bracelet, necklace or ID card if you have a known drug allergy so that first responders will be aware and can treat immediately. Carrying an "epi pen" at all times may also be recommended for some patients.
