Penicillin allergy

Penicillin allergy is a reaction to penicillin, a type of antibiotic that is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is the most commonly reported drug allergy, affecting approximately 10% of the population. However, research suggests that over 90% of people who believe they are allergic to penicillin are not actually allergic when tested.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a penicillin allergy can range from mild to severe and can occur immediately or several hours after taking the drug. Common symptoms include rash, hives, itching, and swelling. In severe cases, a person may experience anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a rapid, weak pulse.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a penicillin allergy is typically made through a combination of a detailed patient history and skin testing. During skin testing, a small amount of penicillin is applied to the skin using a tiny needle. If a person is allergic to penicillin, they will develop a raised bump or area of redness at the test site.

Treatment

Treatment for a penicillin allergy depends on the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions may be treated with antihistamines to relieve symptoms. Severe reactions require immediate medical attention and may be treated with epinephrine.

If a person is confirmed to have a penicillin allergy, they will need to avoid penicillin and related antibiotics. There are many other types of antibiotics available that can be used as alternatives.

Desensitization

In some cases, a process called desensitization may be used. This involves giving the person small doses of penicillin, gradually increasing the amount over several hours or days to allow the immune system to become accustomed to the drug. This process must be done under close medical supervision due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction.

See also

• Drug allergy
• Antibiotic resistance
• Anaphylaxis