Penicillin Anaphylaxis

Being allergic to medication can pose a risk that can be life threatening. One of the most common medicinal allergies is caused by Penicillin and other medications in the antibiotic group.

Penicillin, or other forms of it that go by different names, is commonly used to treat bacterial infections and illnesses. Penicillin allergy sometimes begins with mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, a rash or hives on the skin, and not feeling quite right.

If the mild symptoms have been seen, there may be an allergy. Telling the doctor about it may end up preventing future problems that could result in a severe reaction. If there have been mild symptoms, sometimes it will take a few times of ingesting the medication before the more severe symptoms will appear.

The more severe symptoms include:

• difficulty breathing
• Hives, redness, or itching
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations or possibly cardiac arrest
• Lower blood pressure
• Confusion or feeling of doom
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat, hands or feet

The most common way to treat penicillin anaphylaxis is with an epinephrine shot. Getting medical attention immediately is important, but until medical intervention arrives, there are some things you can do to help the situation:

1. Keep the victim calm and still
2. Administer epinephrine if there is an EpiPen available
3. If there are breathing difficulties, using a rescue inhaler may help
4. Giving a dose of an antihistamine may help calm any symptoms of allergies.

If you know you have an allergy to penicillin, it is very important that every doctor and every pharmacy you use knows about it. You will need to be aware of any other possible sources of even trace amounts of penicillin, and avoid exposure to it in any form.

For more information about penicillin anaphylaxis, visit Allergy Anaphylaxis.