Symptoms of Penicillin Allergy

Penicillin is one of the most common antibiotics prescribed and is used for many different reasons. It is also the most common cause of drug allergies. An allergy to penicillin usually occurs among young adults, but it can take place at any age. The symptoms will vary by person and may be as moderate as rash, or as severe as loss of consciousness.

Cause of Allergy

• The allergic reaction occurs because the body's immune system overreacts to the penicillin, resulting in a myriad of symptoms.

Common Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of a penicillin reaction include hives, swelling of the lips, tongue and face. The patient may develop hives or her eyes might itch.

Severe Symptoms

• In rare instances, people will suffer from sever symptoms. This can result in an anaphylactic reaction which causes difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and vomiting.

Signs for Severe Symptoms

• You may be more prone to suffering from a severe allergic reaction if you have ever had hives appear immediately after taking penicillin or have had a positive result from a penicillin allergy skin test.

Treatment

• Many people are prescribed antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat their penicillin allergy. However in an emergency situation, an epinephrine shot may be required.