Penicillin is a widely used antibiotic for killing bacteria. However, many people may not be aware that penicillin can cause allergic reactions due to a negative immune response, resulting in rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is necessary before the condition becomes severe.
What is a penicillin allergy?
Penicillin allergy (Penicillin) is an abnormal immune response to penicillin, an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. The immune system’s improper reaction to the drug can cause allergic symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including potential shock.
What are the symptoms of a penicillin allergy?
- Red rash
- Hives
- Itching all over the body
- Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Severe cases may lead to low blood pressure, shock, and unconsciousness
- Delayed reactions in some people, such as fever, peeling skin, organ inflammation, etc.
Who is at risk for penicillin allergy?
- Those with a history of antibiotic allergy from anecdotes
- Those using penicillin in combination with multiple medications at the same time
How is penicillin allergy assessment conducted?
If there is a history of penicillin allergy, doctors will recommend a new assessment (Penicillin Allergy Delabeling) consisting of:
- Detailed history-taking
- When was the allergy? What were the symptoms?
- Was there a rash or difficulty breathing?
- How many years ago was it?
- Risk level assessment
- Low-risk group: Mild rash >10 years ago, no severe symptoms
- Moderate-risk group: History of hives or swelling of the eyes or face
- High-risk group: History of drug-induced shock or whole-body peeling
- Testing by skin testing (Skin Test) or drug challenge (Drug Challenge) under the supervision of a specialist in allergy and asthma. This method is easy to conduct without hospitalization.
If allergic to penicillin, can other drugs also cause allergies?
Those allergic to penicillin may also react to other drugs, especially those structurally similar to penicillin, with a cross-allergy probability of about 0.5 – 6% , depending on the type and allergy history. Not all individuals allergic to penicillin are allergic to all medications or allergic for life.
What are the effects of mistakenly labeling oneself as allergic to penicillin?
Many people are labeled as allergic to penicillin from childhood or might not clearly recall the symptoms, such as developing a rash after taking the medication. This leads to being recorded as allergic to penicillin, causing several adverse effects.
- Receiving unnecessarily potent antibiotics
- Increased risk of drug-resistant bacteria due to the use of broader spectrum antibiotics
- Reduced treatment efficacy as a less targeted drug is given, leading to slower or less effective recovery
- Longer hospital stays
- Increased healthcare costs
Is it true that those labeled as penicillin-allergic might not actually be allergic?
There is evidence that more than 90% of people labeled as penicillin-allergic may not truly be allergic. Several studies have found that 9 out of 10 individuals with a childhood history of penicillin allergy do not show real allergy symptoms upon re-evaluation. As a result, many patients may miss the opportunity to receive more effective and appropriate antibiotics for treating infections.
Where can one find a hospital proficient in treating drug allergies?
The Allergy and Asthma Center at Bangkok Hospital is ready to assess, diagnose, and closely monitor patients with drug allergies, as well as provide accurate consultation and knowledge. With a team of specialized doctors and multidisciplinary teams boasting vast experience, the aim is to enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Physicians specializing in drug allergy treatment
Allergy and asthma specialists at the Bangkok Hospital Allergy Center
You can click here to make an appointment by yourself.
