Antibiotic Medication Allergy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
What is an antibiotic medication allergy?
An antibiotic medication allergy is a harmful reaction to an antibiotic. The reaction can start soon after you take the medicine, or days or weeks after you stop. Healthcare providers cannot know ahead of time if you will have an allergic reaction. Your immune system may become sensitive to the antibiotic the first time you take it. You may have an allergic reaction the next time. The antibiotics most likely to cause an allergic reaction are penicillins and cephalosporins.
What are the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to an antibiotic?
- Mild symptoms include red, itchy, flaky, or swollen skin. You may have a flat, red area on your skin that is covered with small bumps. You may also have hives.
- Severe symptoms include skin that blisters or peels, vision problems, and severe swelling or itching. Severe reactions include conditions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Ask your provider for more information on TEN and other serious conditions.
- Anaphylaxis symptoms include throat tightness, trouble breathing, tingling, dizziness, and wheezing. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening reaction that needs immediate treatment. Anaphylaxis may occur if you exercise after exposure to a trigger, such as after you take an antibiotic.
What increases my risk for an antibiotic medication allergy?
- Other allergies, such as to cats
- A family history of antibiotic allergies
- Frequent use of antibiotics
- A long-term illness that makes your immune system more sensitive
How is an antibiotic medication allergy diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and allergies. You may need additional testing if you developed anaphylaxis after you were exposed to a trigger and then exercised. This is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis. You may also need any of the following:
- Blood tests give healthcare providers information about how your body is working.
- A patch test means a small amount of the antibiotic is put on your skin. The area is covered with a patch that stays on for 2 days. Then your provider will check your skin for a reaction.
- A skin prick test means a small drop of the antibiotic is put on your forearm and your skin is pricked with a needle. Your provider will watch for a reaction.
- An intradermal test means a small amount of antibiotic liquid is put under the surface of your skin. Your provider will watch for a reaction.
- A drug provocation test is also known as an antibiotic challenge test. Your provider gives you increasing doses of the antibiotic medicine and watches for a reaction.
How is an allergic reaction to an antibiotic treated?
- Antihistamines decrease mild symptoms such as itching or a rash.
- Epinephrine is medicine used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
- Steroids reduce inflammation.
- Desensitization may be done after you have a reaction, if you need to be treated with the antibiotic again. Your provider will give you small doses of the antibiotic over a few hours. He or she will treat any allergic reaction that you have. The dose is increased a little at a time until the full dose is reached and the medicine stops causing an allergic reaction. You will have to take a dose of the antibiotic every day to keep your body desensitized.
What steps do I need to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis?
- Immediately give 1 shot of epinephrine only into the outer thigh muscle.
- Leave the shot in place as directed. Your provider may recommend you leave it in place for up to 10 seconds before you remove it. This helps make sure all of the epinephrine is delivered.
- Call 911 and go to the emergency department, even if the shot improved symptoms. Do not drive yourself. Bring the used epinephrine shot with you.
What safety precautions do I need to take if I am at risk for anaphylaxis?
- Keep 2 shots of epinephrine with you at all times. You may need a second shot, because epinephrine only works for about 20 minutes and symptoms may return. Your provider can show you and family members how to give the shot. Check the expiration date every month and replace it before it expires.
- Create an action plan. Your provider can help you create a written plan that explains the allergy and an emergency plan to treat a reaction. The plan explains when to give a second epinephrine shot if symptoms return or do not improve after the first. Give copies of the action plan and emergency instructions to family members, work and school staff, and daycare providers. Show them how to give a shot of epinephrine.
- Be careful when you exercise. If you have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis, do not exercise right after you eat. Stop exercising right away if you start to develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis. You may first feel tired, warm, or have itchy skin. Hives, swelling, and severe breathing problems may develop if you continue to exercise.
- Carry medical alert identification. Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says you have an antibiotic medicine allergy. Healthcare providers need to know that they should not give you this antibiotic. Ask your provider where to get these items.
- Read medicine labels before you use any medicine. Do not take the medicine if it contains the antibiotic that you are allergic to. This includes topical medicines that you put on your skin. Ask a pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Tell all healthcare providers about your allergy. Always tell your providers the names of medicines that you are allergic to and the symptoms of your allergic reactions.
- Ask if you need to avoid other medicines. You may be allergic to other medicines if you had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. Make sure you know the names of other medicines that you should not take.
Call 911 for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis,
such as trouble breathing, swelling in your mouth or throat, or wheezing. You may also have itching, a rash, hives, or feel like you are going to faint.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have a rash with itchy, swollen, red spots.
- You have blisters, or your skin is peeling.
- You have trouble swallowing or your voice sounds hoarse.
- You have a fast or pounding heartbeat.
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You think you are having an allergic reaction. Contact your provider before you take another dose of your antibiotic.
- You have a rash.
- You have a fever.
- You have a sore throat or swollen glands. You will feel hard lumps when you touch your throat if your glands are swollen.
- Your skin itches and becomes red when you are in sunlight.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition, allergy, or care.
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You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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