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Can A Patient Allergic To Cefadroxil Be Allergic To Penicillin?

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Posted on Thu, 15 Sep 2016
Question: Dear Doctor,

I wanted to ask a question regarding allergies:

During my infancy, my mom said that I had an allergic reaction to Cefadroxil (Brand Name: Oracefal) and Cefaclor (Brand Name: Ceclor).

During the past 6 I have been taking Zinnat 500mg, without any allergic reactions.

I have done some research and it seems that all three medications are related to penicillin.

Is it possible that I am not allergic to penicillin after all? (I was not sure since I was allergic to those 2 medications during my infancy).

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You may be or not be allergic to penicillin. We never know until try it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your question.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

Penicillin allergy is very specific, like any other allergy. If you are allergic to something, it doesn't mean that you will be allergic to something else. In penicillin case though, there is a slight chance that you will be allergic to the group of cefalosporines (the names that you mentioned above), that chance is 0.5% I think.

You may be allergic to cefalosporines and not be allergic to penicillin.
You may also be allergic to some of the cefalosporines but not to others.

So to summarize, my recommendations are:
- Even if you may not be allergic to penicillin, dont use it outside of hospital just in case, so you are under medical suppervision.
- You are not allergic to Zinnat, but you are allergic to the other ones that you have had an allergic reaction from, so avoid those.
- Reaction may be different from mild rash, to life threatening.
- With the time a person that has been allergic to something, may be more allergic or not be anymore allergic. So thats why we prefer to avoid medicines that a person has been once allergic, because you never know.

Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer.

Regards
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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Can A Patient Allergic To Cefadroxil Be Allergic To Penicillin?

Brief Answer: You may be or not be allergic to penicillin. We never know until try it. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM to post your question. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. Penicillin allergy is very specific, like any other allergy. If you are allergic to something, it doesn't mean that you will be allergic to something else. In penicillin case though, there is a slight chance that you will be allergic to the group of cefalosporines (the names that you mentioned above), that chance is 0.5% I think. You may be allergic to cefalosporines and not be allergic to penicillin. You may also be allergic to some of the cefalosporines but not to others. So to summarize, my recommendations are: - Even if you may not be allergic to penicillin, dont use it outside of hospital just in case, so you are under medical suppervision. - You are not allergic to Zinnat, but you are allergic to the other ones that you have had an allergic reaction from, so avoid those. - Reaction may be different from mild rash, to life threatening. - With the time a person that has been allergic to something, may be more allergic or not be anymore allergic. So thats why we prefer to avoid medicines that a person has been once allergic, because you never know. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer. Regards