Penisillinallergia

Penisillinallergia is an adverse reaction of the immune system to penicillin antibiotics. While penicillin is widely used to treat bacterial infections, a small percentage of the population experiences allergic reactions to it. These reactions can range in severity from mild skin rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of a penicillin allergy can appear within minutes to hours after taking the medication, though delayed reactions are also possible. Common mild symptoms include hives, itching, and a rash. More severe reactions may involve swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Diagnosis of penicillin allergy is typically based on a patient's history of reactions. Allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or intradermal tests, can sometimes be used to confirm the allergy, though these tests are not always definitive and can carry their own risks.

Individuals diagnosed with a penicillin allergy should avoid all drugs in the penicillin class, which includes amoxicillin and ampicillin, among others. If a penicillin-class drug is absolutely necessary, a medical professional may consider desensitization, a process where small, increasing doses of the antibiotic are administered under close medical supervision. In most cases, alternative antibiotics that are not related to penicillin will be prescribed for treatment. Many people who believe they have a penicillin allergy may not actually be allergic, and a medical evaluation can clarify this.