Penicillins are the oldest group of antibiotics with a broad spectrum of antibacterial action. These antibiotics are highly effective, a relatively small spectrum of side effects, but among allergic allergies to penicillin allergy is one of the most common.
Symptoms of an allergy to penicillin
When allergic to penicillin observed:
- skin reactions (rash, hives , itching);
- swelling of the tongue and lips, sometimes face and neck;
- irritation of the mucosa;
- difficulty breathing;
- drowsiness.
In some people, an allergic reaction to penicillin can be observed in very severe form, up to Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock and the creation of a life-threatening situation. Therefore, with the slightest suspicion that an allergy to the drug has occurred, measures should be taken immediately (take antihistamines, and if a strong reaction call an ambulance).
How do I know if I have an allergy to penicillin?
Due to the high risk of an allergic reaction, special skin tests can be performed prior to the appointment of penicillin. The presence of redness at the place of administration of the test dose indicates an allergic reaction. Reaction to penicillin usually means an increased sensitivity to all antibiotics of this group, and sometimes - of adjacent groups. Thus, with allergy to penicillin, approximately 20% of patients have a similar reaction to antibiotics of the cephalosporin group.
What can I do to replace penicillin with an allergy to it?
Penicillin is an antibiotic, and such drugs are prescribed only if you can not do without them. Therefore, to replace penicillin, if it is allergic, can only be some kind of antibiotic of another group with a similar action:
1. Cephalosporins:
- Cefluozol;
- Cefepime;
- Cefotaxime;
- Cefoxytin;
- Cefuroxime and others.
Antibiotics of this group are closest to penicillin, but due to the similarity of the chemical structure, about one third of patients with penicillin allergy also have an allergy to the antibiotics of this series.
2. Antibiotics of the tetracycline series:
- Tetracycline;
- Doxycycline;
- Metacycline;
- Oxytetracycline.
3. Antibiotics of the macrolide group:
- Erythromycin;
- Azithromycin;
- Roxithromycin.
If cephalosporins are almost complete analogues for the effect, then the remaining groups should be selected according to the diagnosis.