A penicillin allergy is an allergic reaction to penicillin antibiotics. Basically, your body’s immune system overreacts to the drug.
A penicillin allergy is the most common type of drug allergy. Some people who are allergic to penicillin are also allergic to other similar or related antibiotics. (I have a penicillin allergy and can’t take other related antibiotics, either.)
However, there are many people out there who think they have a penicillin allergy but don’t. Just like other types of allergies, you can outgrow the allergy or become less sensitive to penicillin. Some people may have had a bad reaction as a side effect, but not an actual allergic reaction.
The best way to know if you are (or are still) allergic to penicillin is with a skin test.
Symptoms of a typical penicillin allergy include:
- Rashes and/or hives
- Itchy eyes
- Swollen lips, tongue, and/or face
A mild allergic reaction can often be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. If those don’t help, you may need a prescription medication to help deal with the penicillin allergy.
My penicillin allergy showed up early — I don’t think I was even in kindergarten yet. I remember the hives all over my body, and the trip to the emergency room for a benadryl shot. My doctor later tried me on another similar medicine, with similarly itchy results. Don’t worry — there are plenty of alternatives to penicillin out there.
Life threatening reactions to penicillin are rare. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include: difficulty breathing, hives, wheezing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, rapid or weak pulse, diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, and skin turning blue. If you believe you are having an anaphylactic reaction, call 911 immediately! In emergency situations, anaphylactic reactions to penicillin are typically treated with an epinephrine shot. You may also need intravenous antihistamines and/or corticosteroids.
If you’ve had a serious reaction to penicillin, you should consider wearing a medic-alert type of bracelet or keeping an emergency card in your purse or wallet to warn emergency medical personnel of your allergy. You may also need to keep an allergy kit on hand so you can dose yourself with epinephrine in an emergency situation.