Amoxicillin is a member of the penicillin group of antibiotics. It may be used in the treatment of bacteriological infections. The Mayo Clinic reports that allergies to the penicillin group of drugs is the single most common drug-related allergy. Having an allergic reaction to amoxicillin may be mild or life-threatening.
Skin (Integumentary) System
Amoxicillin may cause several adverse allergic symptoms on the skin in some people; the most common of these is a rash. The National Institutes of Health states that swollen or irritated skin occurred most often in those reporting rash symptoms. For common rashes, the treatment might include topical corticosteroids, lotions or moisturizers. Oral antihistamines also may be used to treat a rash.
Another skin symptom of amoxicillin allergy is hives. Hives are similar to a rash except that they are comprised of bumps that are red and itchy on your skin. Because hives trigger the release the chemical histamine, anti-histamines may help reduce the problem. Itchy areas of your skin also may occur with or without hives or a rash as part of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.
Swelling
Another potential symptom of an amoxicillin allergy is called angioedema. It is similar to hives, the National Institutes of Health states, but the swelling occurs under the skin rather than on top of it. The allergic reaction can cause swelling under the skin of your face, on your tongue or on your lips.
Wheezing
When you breathe out and you hear a whistling noise that is high-pitched, you are wheezing. This occurs, the Mayo Clinic states, because your airways narrow or become constricted or blocked.
Anaphylaxis
The Mayo Clinic reports that an anaphylactic response to amoxicillin is the most serious of the allergic symptoms of the drug. In fact, it can potentially be life-threatening. It occurs as soon as you take a penicillin-type antibiotic. Get emergency medical aid if you have any of these symptoms: a weak pulse, breathing difficulties, an increased pulse rate, falling unconscious, a blood pressure drop, dizziness, wheezing and tongue or throat swelling.
