$Unique_ID{BRK01019}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{How Can One Develop an Allergic Reaction to Penicillin?}
$Subject{allergy penicillin reaction}
$Volume{O}
$Log{
Allergy Causes: Allergens*0001201.scf
Allergy Causes: IgE*0001202.scf
Allergy Causes: IgG*0001203.scf
Allergy--Skin Testing*0001301.scf
Allergy--Test Reactions*0001302.scf
Allergy--Graph*0001303.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Can One Develop an Allergic Reaction to Penicillin?


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QUESTION:  A close member of our family recently had a frightening experience
as he developed an allergic reaction to an injection of penicillin.  We
wondered how that could happen when he was never allergic before?  Does it
mean he will have another problem if he ever takes penicillin again?  Do any
other members of the family have to worry about the chance that they might
also be allergic to this medicine?

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ANSWER:  Although the exact number of cases of allergic reactions to
penicillin are not known, estimates place it at from 1 percent to as many as
10 percent of all people treated.  While most of the reactions take the form
of skin rashes and hives, they can be so severe as to cause the death of the
patient.  Though there are many hundreds of different medications used to
treat disease and illness in the United States, penicillin is the most common
drug causing allergic reactions.  Perhaps 400 to 800 deaths per year may be
due these reactions, and 75 percent occur in people who had no history of a
previous problem.  There is no evidence of family tendency to these allergic
reactions so you and the other members of your family have nothing special to
fear.  The sensitivity to penicillin is develops most frequently when
penicillin has been used in ointments or creams, or when treatment with this
antibiotic has been given for many short periods of time.  It usually happens
in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, but can develop in people of all
ages.  While a reaction may occur even when the medication is taken by mouth,
it is more severe and happens most frequently when it has been given by
injection.  When the history is uncertain but the possibility of an allergy
does exist, physicians may either use another antibiotic with a similar
action, or in the cases where only penicillin will do, perform a skin test to
detect the possibility that an allergy exists.  There are several methods used
to reduce the patients sensitivity to penicillin, by starting with very small
doses initially, than gradually doubling the amount until the full dose needed
can be given safely.  My advice would be that this family member stay away
from penicillin and obtain a Medic-Alert bracelet to prevent the chance of
ever receiving this medication while unable to give a history.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
