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Suggest Treatment For Allergic Reactions To Antibiotics Used For Ear Infection
Question: I have had allergic reactions to antibiotics and would like to understand what antibiotics would likely be safe for me to take.
In 1999, I took sulfa for an ear infection. I developed a full-body non-itchy rash after being on it for 5 days. My doctor took me off of sulfa immediately and put me on erythromycin instead. After 2 more days, the rash did not disappear so the doctor took me off of the erythromycin in case I was also allergic to the erythromycin. I then changed doctors, and the new doctor put me on a prednisone dose pack to stop my allergic reaction to the sulfa. In contrast to the previous doctor, the new doctor said that I probably was not allergic to erythromycin and that the rash was most likely still present from the sulfa reaction.
I then saw an allergist who said he was not able to test for allergies to antibiotics. He told me that once my body had learned to become allergic to one antibiotic (sulfa) that it was likely my body would then be allergic to all classes of antibiotics. (Is this true??) I left his office quite scared to ever take an antibiotic again.
In 2012, I took Augmentin for a bad sinus infection. I had taken Augmentin many times in my life beforehand with no problems. This time, however, my upper lip became minorly swollen after a few days on Augmentin so my doctor had me stop it.
In 2013, I saw a (different) allergist who tested me for an allergy to Augmentin. The allergy testing consisted of me having a skin prick and taking small sips of the Augmentin around 10am on the day of my testing. I had no reactions by the time I left the office at 5pm. However, I developed a raised and red (but not itchy) bump at the Augmentin skin prick site that night at 10pm. I called the allergist the next day who said that I might then be allergic to Augmentin but that he wasn't sure. He said I should repeat the test in his office, which I haven't yet done.
I now have a child in school and am nervous about what antibiotic I could take in the event that I need one. (For example if my child gets strep throat and then gives it to me.)
What antibiotics would likely be safe for me to take? Are there any particular precautions I should take when I start a new antibiotic (such as taking Benadryl, etc)? In addition, I have heart PVC's so need an antibiotic that would not increase my PVCs. I am also on Zoloft so would need an antibiotic that is safe to take with Zoloft.
Many thanks for your time and assistance.
In 1999, I took sulfa for an ear infection. I developed a full-body non-itchy rash after being on it for 5 days. My doctor took me off of sulfa immediately and put me on erythromycin instead. After 2 more days, the rash did not disappear so the doctor took me off of the erythromycin in case I was also allergic to the erythromycin. I then changed doctors, and the new doctor put me on a prednisone dose pack to stop my allergic reaction to the sulfa. In contrast to the previous doctor, the new doctor said that I probably was not allergic to erythromycin and that the rash was most likely still present from the sulfa reaction.
I then saw an allergist who said he was not able to test for allergies to antibiotics. He told me that once my body had learned to become allergic to one antibiotic (sulfa) that it was likely my body would then be allergic to all classes of antibiotics. (Is this true??) I left his office quite scared to ever take an antibiotic again.
In 2012, I took Augmentin for a bad sinus infection. I had taken Augmentin many times in my life beforehand with no problems. This time, however, my upper lip became minorly swollen after a few days on Augmentin so my doctor had me stop it.
In 2013, I saw a (different) allergist who tested me for an allergy to Augmentin. The allergy testing consisted of me having a skin prick and taking small sips of the Augmentin around 10am on the day of my testing. I had no reactions by the time I left the office at 5pm. However, I developed a raised and red (but not itchy) bump at the Augmentin skin prick site that night at 10pm. I called the allergist the next day who said that I might then be allergic to Augmentin but that he wasn't sure. He said I should repeat the test in his office, which I haven't yet done.
I now have a child in school and am nervous about what antibiotic I could take in the event that I need one. (For example if my child gets strep throat and then gives it to me.)
What antibiotics would likely be safe for me to take? Are there any particular precautions I should take when I start a new antibiotic (such as taking Benadryl, etc)? In addition, I have heart PVC's so need an antibiotic that would not increase my PVCs. I am also on Zoloft so would need an antibiotic that is safe to take with Zoloft.
Many thanks for your time and assistance.
Brief Answer:
True allergy to all antibiotics is very rare.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The reaction that you had to the the sulfa group antibiotic in 1999 was a very common reaction observed with this group of antibiotics. You need to only avoid the sulfa group of antibiotics in the future.
2. True allergy to all antibiotics is extremely rare. There will always be some antibiotics that you do not react to.
3. Augmentin usually causes diarrhea and skin rashes in those allergic to it. If you are allergic to the Beta-Lactam (Penicillin) group, the Macrolide group (including Erythromycin) will be safe for you.
4. It is always better to keep anti-allergic medication as a back-up.
5. Zoloft is safe with most antibiotics, except Linezolid. Since this particular group of medications such as Zoloft (sertraline) have many drug interactions, ask a physician to review each medicine change.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
True allergy to all antibiotics is very rare.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The reaction that you had to the the sulfa group antibiotic in 1999 was a very common reaction observed with this group of antibiotics. You need to only avoid the sulfa group of antibiotics in the future.
2. True allergy to all antibiotics is extremely rare. There will always be some antibiotics that you do not react to.
3. Augmentin usually causes diarrhea and skin rashes in those allergic to it. If you are allergic to the Beta-Lactam (Penicillin) group, the Macrolide group (including Erythromycin) will be safe for you.
4. It is always better to keep anti-allergic medication as a back-up.
5. Zoloft is safe with most antibiotics, except Linezolid. Since this particular group of medications such as Zoloft (sertraline) have many drug interactions, ask a physician to review each medicine change.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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