About Allergies To Penicillin

Allergies To Penicillin Facts

Top Questions and Answers

I have severe allergies to penicillin and was advised to avoid gorgonzola, what cheese can I substitue for gor? is there another cheese I can use - want to make artichoke and spinach dip

Robert S replied: "Just avoid any blue cheese, they all have penicillin mold. Try something like Feta."

Ms. Mikki replied: "Feta cheese or even cream cheese could be a good substitue. allrecipes.com is a great website to look at for recipes."

if one has developed an allergy to penicillin is one likely to develop similar allergies to other things? eg the development of a severe itch in eyes, ears, palms of hands and soles of feet

Hannah W replied: "No one is not lol. Lots of people are allergic to penicillin. You may have itchy eyes ect from a reaction to penicillin but you are not more prown to having other problems such as itchy feet ect if you are penilcillin"

J B replied: "Not necessarily. Having an allergy to a medication leaves the potential for a reaction to another antibiotic but does not mean that it will happen. You just have to be aware that this possibility always exists whenever taking another antibiotic."

Flick replied: "No. Just because you are allergic to penicillin does not mean you will become allergic to other things."

DL6 replied: "I was allergic to penicillin when a while ago but I forgot to tell my new doctor that I had an allergic reaction and he prescribed it to me. I needed an antibiotic badly so I took it anyway and surprisingly my allergic reaction to it was quite milder than the last time. First time, I was keeled over the toilet vomiting and then dry heaving. Second time, I was just a little queazy."

Papaver replied: "If you have a Penicillin allergy you are likely to be allergic to Cephalosporins too Examples of cephalosporins are cefaclor (Ceclor), cefadroxil (Duricef), cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol, Zolicef), cefixime, (Suprax), cefoxitin (Mefoxin), cefprozil (Cefzil), ceftazidime (Ceptaz, Fortaz, Tazicef, Tazideme), cefuroxime (Ceftin) and cephalexin (Keflex)."

Is it possible to pass on an allergy to penicillin to your child? I am allergic to penicillin, and my son's doctor recently prescribed Amoxil for his sickness. He does not seem to be responding well, so is it possible that he may have my allergy? (He's running a low fever, spitting up, seems not quite himself, etc.)

nochocolate replied: "The chances of developing an allergic reaction may be increased if the drug is given frequently, in large doses, or by injection rather than by a pill. The most important factor may be an inherited genetic tendency of the immune system to develop allergies. Contrary to popular myth, however a family history of allergy to a specific drug does not mean that a patient has an increased chance of reacting to the same drug."

Caleb F replied: "He may or may not be. I am but whether or not that is due to my father being is up for grabs. I have a brother and sister who are not."

Can a breastfeeing baby have an allergy to penicillin prescribed to the mother? I am taking augmentum for a breast infection. I have no allergy to penicillin drugs and neither does the father, but the grandfather is extremely allergic to penicillin. After the drugs finally started working to take care of the infection and high temp I was running, our otherwise very docile/calm baby has begun to be very fussy, cry and won't sleep. I was told the antibiotic would make her sleepy, but it is the exact opposite. she is cranky and inconsolable. Could she be reacting to the little amount of antibiotic passed to her through the breast milk?

Obit replied: "Here i s an excellent site with some wonderful options for you. It will definitely help you. Have a look."

Paulette replied: "Many things can skip generations. I have my Grandmothers Rheumatoid Arthritis and my Mother never had it. It certainly sounds like the baby is getting it through nursing. Talk to the Doctor about something else instead of Penicillin. Good Diagnosis. As a Mother, always follow your Gut instincts. They are very dependable."

Regan C replied: "Yes, it is possible. While it is considered safe to take penicillin while breastfeeding, your baby could still be allergic. I would recommend going to the doctor/NP ASAP to see if it really is an allergy, so you can get your prescription changed. You need to go soon because while using antibiotics to fight an infection you need to keep the dose constant and take the antibiotic until you have taken all of them. While it's not an emergency, getting to your primary care provider very soon would be best. And the question you're asking is certainly possible. Congrats on the new baby!"

Can you take penicillin with an augmentin allergy? When I took augmentin a number of years ago, I broke out in a very mild rash. The doctor I had at the time told me that I had developed a penicillin allergy. My husband just took augmentin, and also had a rash break out. His doctor told him to inform all his medical providers that he has an augmentin allergy. Does that mean I am only allergic to augmentin and not penicillin?

twood1218 replied: "Augmentin is a mix of amoxicillin and Clavulanate. Amoxicillin is a form of penicillin. Clavulanate is a medication that makes the amoxicillin a little more effective. In theory you could be allergic to either component, but it is more likely that you are allergic to penicillin. Almost everyone would assume it was the penicillin. You don't need to worry about getting the Clavulanate elsewhere, if that was what you were actually allergic to. It is almost never used elsewhere. If you tell everyone that you are allergic to augmentin, than should not give you penicillins, or Clavulanate"

Is a Penicillin allergy going to affect my boyfriend's ability to travel? I would like to go overseas with my boyfriend, to countries like Malaysia and china, but he is allergic to Penicillin. would this be an issue as far as smallpox or anything else he may be susceptible to?

revolt replied: "For one, has he been immunized against small pox? Two, small pox has been mostly irradicated, I suppose some very rural countries may still deal with it to some degree but haven't heard of any major outbreaks. There are many other and better antibiotics these days that we use instead of Penicillin to treat illnesses and an allergy to PCN is actually very common so I wouldn't worry too much. You can always submit the question to his physician though."

Nina נינה replied: "Not in the slightest. I'm allergic to Penicillin, and a number of other antibiotics as well, but there are dozens of medicines that can do the same thing. Don't worry, just have a good trip!"

Link between penicillin allergy and autism? I recall reading an article in which a psychologist speculated that there was a higher risk of developing autism if you have penicillin allergy and are given penicillin (before the allergy is known) as a young baby. Does anyone know whether or not this is true?

Frugalityz replied: "Unfortunately, I do not know the answer to this question and I suspect neither does anyone else! But I do know that in the past autism has been linked to Gluten Intolerance, otherwise known as Coeliac (Celiac) Disease, and has had other dietary connections. Therefore, if Gluten and other foods could be a possible cause, then why not penicillin? There are many other potential causes including various combinations of factors. It is usually proteins that are the significant factor in allergies and intolerances, but I believe penicillin can also cause allergic reactions that are not protein based. I happen to be one of the unlucky few that has had reactions to both! There are a few interesting links below that may lead you in the right direction towards more detailed facts, but I doubt that it will be easy to find a convincing answer as medical opinions on such matters have a habit of routinely changing from one decade to the next! So lots of very Good Luck! Good Luck! "

SZO replied: "I have yet to see a research that proves an external cause of autism other than a genetic defect. A lot of other factors like vaccines had been linked to predispose an individual to autism, but Penicillin, this has to be proven."

Question about red tattoo ink and Penicillin allergies.? I'm not really sure if this question has been covered, first of all. I know red is more commonly the most problem-creating tattoo ink around, and people get some type of reaction from it nearly every time, especially with more sensitive skin. I'm getting a tattoo tomorrow, and the idea I WANT to do would require red ink. Now, I have a friend who studies tattooing and told me that since I have a severe allergy to Penicillin (I need an Epi pen if I get the drug accidentally.), that I can't use red ink, because it contains Penicillin. I've looked up information all day about this, and so far, all I've really seen was that its an old wives tale/not an ingredient in red ink anymore. So could anyone help me and let me know? Does red tattoo ink contain Penicillin?

Terry H replied: "I have the same allergy and i have a pure red tat on my arm. Lots of red ink. I am still here. I dont believe that red ink contains penicillin. But if you want to make sure ask the tattoo artist. I have sensitive skin and I have had no probloms with the red ink.. I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy your tattoo"

Can someone develop an allergy to penicillin when thay were not allergic as a child or teen? I was prescribed penicillin (dicloxacillin 500mg) for mastitis. I woke up at 3am with my right eye swollen shut and the other one not far behind it. I look insane. I called my doc and he said to take benedryl. I've taken four so farand my eyes are slightly better. Now, the other thing is that I have a cat who cuddles with me at night. At first I though I had cat hairs in my eyes, but I've never had a reaction quite like this before... So, could I have developed an adult allergy to penicillan or is the puffy eye situation just a coincidence? Any personal experiences similar to mine? Papeversomniferum: yeah, I'm sure my doctor is more professional than that. Thanks for your useless commentary on cats. Cat haters are always insane. UPDATE: Eyes still puffy but better than before. Had welts on neck which leads me to believe that it's the penicillin for sure. Also remebered that my nose was stuffy last night. BTW-- I know that dander is the allergen. I was thinking that it was a cat hair as a foreign object in my eye, not the allergen. Thanks for all of the helpful answers.

dotab replied: "Yes ! certainly."

maineems2004 replied: "Yes! Allergies can develop, often it takes multiple exposures to develop it. I suggest maybe getting an allergy test done, because if it's indeed the penicillian (my son is allergic) than the reaction could be much worse next time."

dumplingmuffin replied: "yes my mum nearly died through allergic reaction to penicillin,her throat swelled and she couldnt breathe,if you react you should stop taking it immediatly as it can kill.and will only get worse .get your doctor to prescribe something else.and never take it again."

Pobept replied: "Yes you can become allergic to things at any time even when your were not in the past"

framer_larry replied: "It is possible that your body has deveopled an allergy to the medicine. It is also possible that your body had a reaction due to the combination of the medication and dander from the cat. Check with your doctor."

because_i_said_so replied: "absolutely. You can develop an allergic reaction to penicillin any time in life. Even if youve taken it many times. My mom took it all her life, and then when I was a baby (im 32) she had to get a shot of penicillin and she almost died. An important thing to know is there are actually people that are "truly allergic" and there are people who are labeled "sensitive" to a drug. When you are sensitive, unpleasent side effects occur that are not life threatning, but are annoying none the less. When you are allergic to a drug, you experience life threatning symptoms that require immediate emergency care. (such as tightning in the throat, difficulty breathing, and fainting due to a sudden drop in BP) It sounds like you have become sensitive to it to me. Or it could have nothing to do with the drug. There is a chance though. Good luck. Just use a cold compress for swelling, take ibuprofen, and keep taking the benedryl."

M T replied: "My son and Granddad are allergic to penicillin. My son reacted with first dose which is extremely rare. My Granddad was a adult his air way started to close and he swelled in eyes and lips. My dad's cousin took it two times the second one killed her. They said she must have had such a slight allergic reaction it went unnoticed. You can be tested for allergies. We avoid it and he wears a medic alert bracelet in case he was unconscious and could no communicate. There are other antibiotics out there best bet is to assume you are allergic. Good luck."

n_of49p replied: "Yes, allergies can crop up at any time. You can take the same thing into your body for years, and not have a problem, and suddenly your body will say, no, not likeing this, and react. I have done this with peanuts, I love peanut butter, salted peanuts, and for the last year, when I eat them, I start coughing and feel like something is stuck in my throat. Same thing happenend to my sister with not only peanuts, but sesame seeds and oil. This is not something to take lightly, allergies to meds are very serious, stay on the benedryl, and from now on request different meds. Swelling of the eye is a true allergic reaction, any histamine response is a sign of an allergy, swelling, rash, mucous production. A sensitivity is generally shown in a gastro intestinal response, vomitting and diarrhea. Incidentally I have had mastitis, it is serious, but I have found that at the first sign, if you get on lots of water, hot compresses, expressing whenever possible, and pushing baby to nurse, some times it does not progress to needing meds. If it comes back, these things might help. I hope you are feeling better soon, sounds like things are rough right now."

Papeversomniferum replied: "Ewww GROSS! You are aware that cat's don't wipe their butts after scratching in the little box for 10 minutes to bury their crap right? They lick themselves... Then snuggle up on your pillow? Come on now! Do you by any chance have or have you ever had syphilis? Latent allergic reactions are common in the use of penicillin as treatment for syphilis. Or strep? In the case of an allergic reaction to penicillin you change to a cephalosporin. If the doctor didn't change your med, and prescribed benadryl, it's probably the cat. Keep him out of your bed... WHERE YOU SLEEP! Gross! Your Doctor was probably just too polite to say it..."

gloria_brown20 replied: "Yes, it can be very serious, my brother, couldn't speak and we thought he was having a heart attack. Turned out it was a reaction to the penicillin."

answerer replied: "No,someone cannot develop allergy to penicillin when they were not allergic as child or a teen because allergies are present right from the birth as due to contact with certain proteins the white blood cells of certain people release antibodies which then produce the allergic reaction.Whenever a person gets allergic reactions it means that the immune system is working that is why when a illness occurs we get fever as the immune system starts working."

Salty Snax replied: "yes!! allergies can come (and go) at any time of life answerer above is partly right, but you're born with a tendency - it's not written in stone how you eat and live determine what allergies show up or go away"

Sally H replied: "Yes, you could have developed an allergy to penicillin. As a child I've taken penicillin before for tonsillitis. But as an adult, when I took it my face broke out in what looked like acne. I went to my doctor and he told me it was an allergic reaction to penicillin. So, yes you can become allergic to drugs you have taken before. Don't know why except that your body chemistry changes as you grow older."

LABSCIENCEROX replied: "Yes, your body has a mechanism called the immunne system. Allergies are due to antigens in the body that react with antibodies in the blood stream. Your body continously builds antibodies to everyday environmental stimulants. Some people will react to these antigens(stimulants) and some will not. Symptoms range from cough, to runny nose to even asthma and severe reactions from hives to anaphylazes that could lead to death. Now, these reactions can start at anytime. You body continously can produce antibodies therefore you developing allergies to things you weren't ever affected by before. In my case, I wasn't allergic to a thing when I was little. Now, 23, I am allergic to all seasonal, all pet danders, trees, grasses, perfumes, and other miscellaneous things. I am not, however producing allergens to medications, which are the serious allergens. Usually bees, peanuts, and medication allergens are the serious reaction ones. Now, with your puffy eye. That can be due to penicillin allergy, but I'd say if that is your only reaction, and no rash of any sort, that It is probably from the cat. Now, cat hair is not the culprit. It is the cats skin that is the allergen. Dander is what you should be on the lookout for. You can have your doctor due a simple IgG test for penicillin antibodies and cat dander IgG to determine which it is. If it is penicillin, chances are, you could become allergic to it worse than this last time, and become allergic to more antibiotics in that class."

Can you eat blue cheese if you have a penicillin allergy? I saw a program on tv saying they inject blue cheese with penicillin to get the mould to grow.

roman.fever replied: "Even though that is true, you can stll eat blue cheese without the fear of a reaction. Although, in some rare cases people have had reactions, but whether this is their penicllin allergy or something else has not actually been studied throughly and most are inconclusive. Therefore if soemone with a penicillian allergy were to eat blue cheese I'm sure they would be fine."

batwench replied: "I am allergic to penicillin and cannot eat blue cheese, brie etc as I feel very tight chested etc afterwards. Even at going into caves at Cheddar Gorge where cheddar is matured and has mold growing on it made me feel ill. At mold spore season, I also get hay fever symptoms. There is no way on this blue planet I am giving up mushrooms though, even if they do upset my stomach."

More Resources

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