Penicillin Allergies

[~*Niadalla*~]

Apparently, I've just become allergic to penicillin. I've taken it rarely over my life and never had an issue, but due to a particularly nasty throat and ear (both) infection, I was put on some really strong ones that knocked me for 6. I was violently ill within hours of taking one.
Anyway, Doc tells me today that I'm allergic. So.... what does that mean (apart from the obvious). Whenever I get a virus/illness now I just have to suck it up??

How many people are allergic to penicillin?

[Freya]

My Ds1 has a penicillan allergy and he gets a different type of antibiotics thats not penicillan based.

[Jellyfish]

I have a mild penicillin alergy (rash response) and it definitely doesn't mean you have to just suck it up, there are alternatives! It is just something you will have to make your doctor aware of when they are prescribing things for you; people around you should also be made aware (parents, siblings, partner etc) so if you ever need something and don't have the ability to let them know, somebody else will be able to for you.

[Pandora]

DH is allergic to penicillin, also developed the allergy as an adult.
There are ABs that aren't penicillin. Erythromycin is one that I can think of

[~clover~]

Erythramycin (sp?) is not penicillin based. DH was allergic as a baby.
DD1 has an allergy to e-mycin, so takes penicillin...

There's also amoxycillin, but given the name, its probably penicillin..

[~*Niadalla*~]

Thanks.
It's weird because I've never had an issue before... but I guess maybe because the dosages were lower every other time I've taken them? I mean, I barely ever take them because I am a suck it up kind of person, but when my illness is bad, I'll get it seen to. Is it normal for a doctor to tell you you are allergic even without testing of some kind? I mean, I was dizzy vommitting violently for around 7 hours, and had the water works happening at the opposite end... and it was just water. It was horrible and I've never felt so terrible in my life, but I never thought it would mean an allergy! EEP!

[Doing my best]

It is such a horrible feeling when you first get sick from taking something you have been able to take before. I developed an allergy in adult hood.. Was half way through a box, and had a reaction, couldn't breath and got rushed to hospital...

But anyhow, there are things to take instead. Erythramycin is what I normally take now if I need something, but there are others.. As I have a bad reaction(even to touch of it), I wear a medi-alert bracelet, and all around me know that I can't take it.. Even DD who is 3 knows some medicine makes mummy very sick..

[BlackCat]

DS has a penicillin allergy... he is also allergic to one of the alternatives Just typical of my DS really lol. Even with those there are still other alternatives that he can take.

[buffy1]

Poor thing, that's horrible. Yes, I think if you had an immediate reaction like that your doc would be pretty sure it was a reaction to the penicillin.

I'm allergic and like you, developed it as an adult - was fine as a child. I vomit and also break out into a horrible rash. As others have said, erythromyacin and a couple of others have been fine to take instead.

Take care of yourself x

[~*Niadalla*~]

Thanks so much for your replies.
My Doctor today didn't even suggest anything else. I've been told to 'take ibuprofen and get lots of rest'. Haha yeah right buddy! With these 2 toddlers! I'll give it a week until my normal GP is back from holidays and I'll visit him if things haven't improved.

Are those medi alert bracelets a good idea?