Allergic reaction to Penicillin?

Abigail's Mommy · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008

So today we determined that my 3 month old was allergic to amoxicillin that she was on for ear infection. She woke up with a rash that progressively got worse throughout the day. Took her to the doctor and sure enough that is what it was. Does anyone else have a child that reacted to this medicine and if so how long did the rash last? What other antibiotic did they use other then the penicillin?

**))** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008

I am seriously allergic to penicillin and amoxicillin is the most common variety of this.

My allergy was also discovered at a very early age but I has swelling / breathing problems and anaphylactic shock ( blockages in the airway).

There are about 4 regularly prescribed alternatives to Amoxicillin,
(excuse the spelling..) eurethromycin being the most widely used. i can take this with no problems.

Tell EVERY Dr, dentist etc your child sees that they have a penicillian allergy - all prescribe it for different uses.

Be aware that any antibiotic ending in 'cillin' may be a derivative - ASK before you give it to your child - even if you get it home then have to ring the Dr / pharmacist to check. Be safe not sorry.

Short answer to your rash query - it should go down within a week.

Melyssa · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008

My son had his reaction at 10 mos. His rash got worse until the day three when it finally stopped spreading and then it gradually faded away. The whole thing took like almost 2 weeks and at one point he was about 95% coverd with red bumby rash..... Just make sure that you always remind them about his allergy. Next time his airways might close up. And also check with the pharmacist when you pick up the medicine. There are several antibiotics that are safe for him to take, cant name one off the top of my head though.

Also some drs might want to 'try again' when he is older to see if he would be ok with it. I dont recommend that because there is alternatives to it.

Kashi · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2008

I've heard of that as well. My daughter would get a rash just when she was sick. Even after stopping the medication, she had the rash. Are you sure that's what the rash was from?