Penicillin is one of the most widely used antibiotics in the medical field, which has saved millions of lives from infectious diseases. However, like any other drug, its use may be associated with various side effects. The side effects of penicillin are very diverse and include skin rashes, digestive problems, and even allergies.

In this article from the GCORP LLC health magazine, we will take a closer look at these complications and share with you important tips to prevent and manage them.... If you use this medicine or plan to use it, read this article to the end.

Effects of penicillin

Among the complications of injectable penicillin, the following can be mentioned:

• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Change in sense of taste or smell
• Headache

This drug can also lead to allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance, increasing the risk of difficult-to-treat bacterial infections:

• Allergy: is the most serious complication of penicillin and should be treated immediately.
• Antibiotic resistance: Improper use of penicillin and other antibiotics (for example, taking too much or not completing the course of treatment) leads to this complication.
• Bacterial infection: Some people get Clostridium difficile (C.diff) bacterial infection when taking antibiotics....because this medicine destroys the bacteria that prevent the growth of C.diff....This condition is accompanied by severe diarrhea, stomach pain and fever and is difficult to treat.

Penicillin allergy symptoms

Symptoms and symptoms of penicillin allergy occur one hour after taking the drug. In rare cases, reactions may appear hours, days or weeks after injection. Symptoms of allergy to this drug include:

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Fever
• Inflation
• shortness of breath
• whistle
• Running nose
Itchy and watery eyes anaphylaxis

This is a photo example of penicillin allergy:

1... Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is one of the most important side effects after penicillin.. Anaphylaxis is a rare and life-threatening allergic reaction that causes widespread disruption of body systems.. The symptoms of this complication include the following:

• narrowing of the airways and throat and as a result causing difficulty in breathing
• Nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

2.... Delayed reactions due to sensitivity to penicillin

Rare reactions occur days or weeks after taking penicillin and sometimes continue even after stopping the drug. These side effects include:

• Serum disease that causes fever, joint pain, skin rashes, nausea and swelling
• anemia caused by medication or reduction of red blood cells, which is accompanied by fatigue, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, etc.
• Drug reaction with eosinophils and systemic symptoms (DRESS) leading to skin rash, increased white blood cells, and swelling
• Steven Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis causing blisters

This drug can also affect the kidney... Nephritis is one of the most important side effects of penicillin for the kidney... This complication, which refers to kidney inflammation, is characterized by various symptoms such as fever, blood in the urine, swelling, confusion, etc.

When should we go to the doctor to treat penicillin side effects?

If you experience penicillin allergy symptoms after injecting the drug, see a doctor as soon as possible... If the symptoms are severe or you suspect anaphylaxis, call the emergency department (phone 115) or go to the nearest hospital.

The cause of penicillin ampoule allergy

Allergy to penicillin occurs when the body's immune system becomes sensitive to the drug and mistakenly reacts to it as a dangerous substance.

Before the body's immune system becomes sensitive to penicillin, you need to be exposed to this drug at least once.. In other words, the first time you inject penicillin, the immune system recognizes the drug as a dangerous substance and makes antibodies against it.

Learn more: What is Amoxicillin 500 for?

Sensitivity to other related drugs

Penicillin belongs to a class of antibacterial drugs called beta-lactams.... Although the mechanisms of action of the drugs vary, they usually fight infections by attacking the bacterial cell wall.... In addition to penicillin, other beta-lactam drugs, especially cephalosporins, are also associated with allergic reactions.

If you are allergic to one type of penicillin, you may be allergic to other types of this drug or some cephalosporins.

Other drugs of the penicillin family include:

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
Dicloxacillin
• Nephsilin
• oxacillin
Penicillin G
• Penicillin V
• piperacillin
• Ticarcillin

Cephalosporins include:

• Sefakur
cefadroxil
• Cefazolin
• Safdinir
• Sefpim
• Sofottan
• Cefprozil
Cefuroxime Cephalexin

What factors increase the possibility of penicillin side effects?

Anyone can be allergic to penicillin...however, the following factors increase the risk of developing this disease:

• History of other allergies such as food allergy or hay fever
Allergic reaction to other drugs
• Family history of drug allergy
• High exposure to penicillin due to high doses, repeated use, or long-term use
• You suffer from certain diseases, including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Epstein-Barr virus, which are associated with drug allergies.

Penicillin sensitivity diagnosis

Careful examination and appropriate tests are necessary to diagnose allergies... because a misdiagnosis may lead to the use of inappropriate or expensive antibiotics.

The doctor will perform a physical exam, ask questions about your symptoms, and order tests.... He may also refer you to an allergist.... The following tests will help diagnose a penicillin allergy:

1... Skin test

The doctor injects a small amount of penicillin into your skin with a small needle. A positive reaction to this test is determined by the formation of a red and itchy bump.

A positive result indicates the possibility of penicillin allergy, and a negative result usually means that you are not allergic to the drug.... But interpreting a negative result is more difficult... because some drug reactions cannot be detected by skin tests.

2.... Graded Challenge

If the diagnosis of penicillin allergy is not certain, the doctor may recommend a graded drug challenge.. In this method, you receive up to five doses of the desired penicillin (the drug starts with a low dose and increases to the desired dose)... If you reach the last dose without any reaction, the doctor concludes that you are not allergic to that type of penicillin.

On the other hand, if you are allergic to a type of penicillin, your doctor may recommend a graded challenge with a type of penicillin or cephalosporin that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This will help your doctor find the right antibiotic for you.

During a drug challenge, your doctor will monitor you closely.... Care services are also available to treat an adverse reaction.

Learn more: What infection is Amoxiclav for?

Treatment of penicillin complications

Intervention to treat penicillin allergy is divided into 2 general strategies.

1.... Treatment of current allergy symptoms

The following methods are used to improve the symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Discontinuing the drug: If the doctor determines that you are allergic to penicillin or may react to it, stopping the drug is the first step in treatment.
• Antihistamines: Your doctor may recommend taking an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, which suppresses immune system chemicals during an allergic reaction.
• Corticosteroids: Oral and injectable corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and other serious reactions.
• Treatment of anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis requires rapid injection of epinephrine and hospital care.

2.... drug desensitization

If there are no other appropriate antibiotics to treat the infection, your doctor may suggest a treatment called drug desensitization, which allows you to take a course of penicillin. In this method, you receive a very low dose and then higher doses of the drug every 15 to 30 minutes over several hours or days. ratio It should be maintained throughout the course of treatment....If you need penicillin in the future, you should repeat the desensitization treatment....You are closely monitored throughout the intervention and supportive care is available to treat reactions....Desensitization is not always successful and sometimes leads to serious reactions.

Ways to prevent penicillin side effects

If you are allergic to penicillin, you should avoid taking it.. Steps you can take to protect yourself include:

• Notifying Health Care Professionals and Personnel: Make sure that allergies to penicillin or other antibiotics are clearly listed in your medical records...Also, always tell your dentist and other doctors you see.
• Medical Alert Bracelet: Wear a medical alert bracelet that shows your drug sensitivity. This information can ensure proper treatment in an emergency.

Endword

If you need advice about penicillin allergy or other side effects of this drug, consult an allergy and immunology doctor or an infectious disease specialist.... You can do this through GCORP LLC and consult the best specialist doctors including asthma, allergy and immunology.. For you... an online appointment system to see a specialist provides you with asthma, allergy and immunology..

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: mayoclinic, my.clevelandclinic