About Allergies: Penicillin Allergy Testing

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported medication allergy, with more than 10% of hospitalized patients reporting an allergy to penicillin. However, approximately 90% of people reporting a penicillin allergy aren't actually allergic to the medication. Many people reporting a penicillin allergy either were never allergic, or may have had an allergy in the past, but have lost that allergy over time. The problem with people reporting a penicillin allergy is that more expensive, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used instead, which can cause problems such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria and superinfections such as Clostridium difficile. Penicillin skin testing is available as a way to determine if a person is actually allergic to penicillin. This is a simple procedure that most allergists perform in their offices, and takes less than a few hours to perform. If penicillin allergy testing shows no evidence of penicillin allergy, a person should be able to take penicillin safely in the future, which is a less expensive antibiotic often with fewer side effects. More on Penicillin Allergy Testing Penicillin and related antibiotics are some of the oldest and most commonly used antibiotics available. They are active against a wide variety of infections, are inexpensive, and are generally well tolerated. Unfortunately, penicillin allergy is very common, with 10% of the population reporting an allergy to this medication. Studies show, however, that when people who report being allergic to penicillin are tested for the allergy, nearly 90% are not allergic, and are able to take the medicine just fine. Testing for penicillin allergy is available, is a relatively simple procedure, and most often leads to a person who thought they were allergic to penicillin to find out that they are not actually allergic to the antibiotic. Most allergists have the ability to perform penicillin allergy testing. See More About:  penicillin allergy  drug allergy  allergy testing All About Penicillin Allergy Penicillin is perhaps the most well-known member of a group of antibiotics called beta lactams, which refers to a particular structure in their chemical makeup. The structure is also shared by semi-synthetic penicillin (amoxicillin), cephalosporins, and other antibiotics (such as imipenem). Penicillins and cephalosporins are the most commonly used antibiotics to treat common infections. Penicillins and cephalosporins are also the most common causes of drug allergy. About 10% of Americans report an allergy to penicillin or a related antibiotic. While penicillin allergy most commonly occurs in young adults, reactions can occur at any age. Women appear to be at higher risk than men. Approximately 300 deaths can be attributed to penicillin allergy each year in the United States. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to penicillin may include anaphylaxis, hives, below-the-skin swelling, asthma symptoms, as well as non-allergic symptoms such as serum sickness, certain forms of anemia, and other drug rashes. See More About:  allergies  allergist  allergy testing Living with Penicillin Allergy Pencillin and related medicines are the most commonly used class of antibiotics. Allergies to penicillin is extremely common, occurring in up to 10% of the population. Often, people with penicillin allergy are prescribed pencillins accidentally, sometimes with disastrous results. Learn some useful ways to live with penicillin allergy, and read about others' experiences. See More About:  penicillin allergy  drug allergy  sulfa allergy Allergies Ads Allergies Allergy Hives Iodine Allergy MSG Allergy Allergy Treatment Featured Articles Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis   More from About.com Food and Mood Indulging a sweet tooth can cause weight gain, guilt and even worsen depression. Here are a few expert tips to help you resist. More> Carb Cravings Ever wondered why you crave carbs (or chocolate and sugar) when you're depressed? Some scientists say it may be chemical. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement