Amoxicillin Allergy

Antibiotics like amoxicillin are administered to treat and destroy bacterial growth which may cause a number of infections. Belonging to the penicillin class, this drug is prescribed to combat different types of bacterial infections, acute as well as chronic. Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed to treat ear infections, sinus infections and other recurring ailments. Though it effectively treats numerous types of maladies and is considered safe, some individuals may develop an allergy to amoxicillin. This may arise when the body is unable to accept the drug, or when this antibiotic interacts with other non prescription medications. Long term usage of this drug can also lead to some unnecessary side effects, some of which may require immediate medical intervention.

Amoxicillin Allergy Symptoms

Allergic reaction to amoxicillin may lead to a number of side effects, the severity of which may depend on the duration of drug usage. The signs of allergic reaction to this drug may be classified as mild or intense, according to the effect they have on the body. Whatever be the nature of the side effect, it is essential to get it treated, so that it does not lead to unnecessary complications.

Mild Indications
The allergic symptoms of overuse of amoxicillin, though mild in nature, should be treated immediately, to prevent them from becoming severe. Here are the mild side effects that have been observed in individuals, where the body has reacted to the presence of this drug.

• One of the common side effects that have been reported is the appearance of amoxicillin allergy rash. This can occur as a tiny bump, similar to hives, on the skin's surface, which may turn red and increase in size but do not cause any itching.
• Inflammation of the facial muscles may also be observed in some cases. Swelling in the lips, lower eyelids, cheeks and sometimes the entire face may be noticed. This allergic reaction requires medical intervention to stop it from spreading to other regions in the body.
• An itching sensation, in the webs of fingers and toes, palms, armpits, groin region etc, is also one of the signs of allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Acute itching may also be noticed in areas which have skin folds.
• Another common side effect overuse of amoxicillin is nausea induced vomiting. Intake of amoxicillin can lead to nausea which may range from mild to intense and this condition can be stopped if the dosage of the drug is reduced or stopped till the individual comes back to normalcy.
• Some individuals may also complain of diarrhea and other digestion related problems, accompanied by severe abdominal pain in some instances, owing to higher intake of this antibiotic. Heartburn or acidity, which can be quite discomforting, is also a common complaint among individuals who have consumed amoxicillin drug.

Intense Indications
In a few cases, some serious side effects of amoxicillin have been observed, caused due to long-term usage of this antibiotic. A failure to diagnose and treat them on time, may cause life-threatening complications, which may take a longer time to get cured. Given below are some of the severe side effects of amoxicillin allergy.

• A severe amoxicillin side effect to be reported is nasal passage congestion, which can cause breathing problems or anaphylaxis. It may also give rise to difficulties in swallowing.
• Prolonged usage of amoxicillin can have an unwanted effect on the liver, leading to its damage and organ failure in the long run.
• Women, especially may become more vulnerable to yeast infections. This is due to the fact that the pH balance in the vagina may be disrupted, which may trigger unhealthy yeast growth.
• Blood in stool, darkening of the urine, due to traces of blood, severe abdominal cramps accompanied by pain may also be noticed. Other serious side effects may include sudden drop in the blood pressure, increased pulse rate, frequent spells of fainting etc. which can be medical emergencies.
• Taking amoxicillin must be avoided by pregnant women. Though unfounded as of now, doctors are wary of prescribing this drug during pregnancy as there are chances of it causing harm to the fetus.

Treating Amoxicillin Allergy

A word on the treatment method for allergic reactions in the body due to extended use of amoxicillin. The initial treatment is to stop taking the drug as soon as any allergic reaction is observed, which should be reported to the doctor. Mild side effects may be treated with cold compresses, over the counter antihistamines and other drugs, etc. Fungal or yeast infections can be treated with the intake of yogurt or cranberry juice. In case of severe side effects, the doctor may administer appropriate treatment, depending on its nature, to reduce the severity and help the individual cope with them.

Though common, amoxicillin allergy can take a dangerous turn, in case of ignorance and even putting it off as something usual. In some cases, allergic reaction to this antibiotic may prove to be a threat to life. Hence, it must be a priority to consult a doctor, on observing allergic reactions not only of amoxicillin, but also of other drugs.