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Can Elevated Temperature Be A Symptom Of Allergic Reaction To Antibiotics?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Question: Can elevated temperature (99.5 degrees and higher be a symptom of an allergic reaction to antibiotics?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This tempeerature is normal!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thank you so much for this query.

Your body temperature is very normal. This is not a sign of an allergic reaction. The mentioned medications can cause allergies but they mostly manifest with rash and itches. This is not what you have reported and I am pretty convinced that you have not developed an allergic reaction. Have you ever taken these medications before? Allergies often occur with secondary consumption and not the first time.

I hope this addresses your query fully and clams your fears. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (13 minutes later)
Thank you, doctor for the quick reply. Last night my temperature got as high as 100.4. If this is not due to the antibiotics, does this mean I have the flu? My temperature is fluctuating to 98 degrees and is highest (100.4) after lying down for several hours. (it fluctuates back and forth).

So are you eliminating allergic reactions to antibiotics as a cause of a 100.4 temperature? Does a fluctuating temperature back and forth from normal to 100.4 eliminate the possibility of the flu?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
What are you being treated for?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Please, what disease condition are you being treated for? The infection you are being treated for may be a possible explanation than a drug reaction.

It is a flu? For now we have very limited information to conclude on that. I will suggest you monitor a little more and provide more details so that we can have an over all image of what is going on.

Let me hear from you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
I apologize for being incomplete here. Much has happened in the last 2 weeks.
I was originally treated for cellulitis. I made the mistake of putting too much heat on an ankle sprain, causing a burn and the cellulitis infection

An antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) was prescribed on November 22. Since then I have broken into a skin rash (red dots) that is moving up both legs and to my chest and shoulder.
The doctor told me to stop taking that antibiotic and prescribed Clindamycin hcl instead. I stopped taking it. How long after I stop taking the sulfamethoxazole will the rash disappear?

The flu symptoms I've been having (temperature fluctuating between 99.4 and 100.4), fatigue, off and on sore throat, off an on achy muscles, began Saturday afternoon. Are you saying that my rise in body temperature to 100.4 degrees and the flulike symptoms are the result of the cellulitis infection?

Thank you again for your help

doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
THis could be a flu with runny nose, sore throat and fatigue!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the follow up details.

With the rash, that was clearly an allergic reaction typical to the sulfonamides of which sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine is a member. That has been addressed by stopping the drug. The rash would regress slowly over time but the immediate observation should be that you are not getting any new rash on your body.

Your detailed symptoms are suggestive of an associated flu/ I will suggest that you take Tylenol, eat well, drink enough after, fruits and vegetables and also get enough rest and regular exercise. That is the best treatment for flu as we only get to control your symptoms.

Cellulitis will not cause sore throat/ Unless it is extensive, it would not also cause a fever.

In all, likely to have sore throat associated to your cellulitis. Add Tylenol and the above listed measures. Keep me updated within 48hours on your progress.

I wish you well and await your updates. Feel free to request for more information or clarifications if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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Can Elevated Temperature Be A Symptom Of Allergic Reaction To Antibiotics?

Brief Answer: This tempeerature is normal! Detailed Answer: HI and thank you so much for this query. Your body temperature is very normal. This is not a sign of an allergic reaction. The mentioned medications can cause allergies but they mostly manifest with rash and itches. This is not what you have reported and I am pretty convinced that you have not developed an allergic reaction. Have you ever taken these medications before? Allergies often occur with secondary consumption and not the first time. I hope this addresses your query fully and clams your fears. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.