About Allergies: Testing for Penicillin Allergy

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Good news for people with a history of a penicillin allergy -- once again a penicillin skin testing extract is available on the market which help diagnose or rule out a penicillin allergy. Up to 10% of the general population reports a penicillin allergy, although only 1% actually are allergic to penicillin. Many people had a penicillin allergy many years ago, but have since outgrown it; others never had a true allergy, but experienced a non-allergic side effect from penicillin; still others experienced a non-allergic rash after taking penicillin. Pre-Pen, the brand name for the penicillin extract, is once again available after a 5 year absence due to manufacturing problems. Pre-Pen allows an allergist to help determine is a person is or isn't allergic to penicillin, and is the ONLY standardized testing agent available for diagnosing antibiotic allergy. For many infe ctions, penicillin and related antibiotics are some of the safest, most effective, and least expensive treatment options. Basics of 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... Read more How to Deal with Your 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... Read more Taking Cephalosporins with Penicillin Allergy Penicillins and cephalosporins are also the most common causes of drug allergy. About 10% of all Americans report an allergy to penicillin or a related antibiotic. Since penicillins and cephalosporins are related structurally, people with a history of penicillin allergy are often not given cephalosporins for concern that these will also cause an allergic reaction... Read more Drug and Latex Allergies Describing the common types of reactions to medications, determining the difference from an allergy to an expected side effect. Allergies to the most common specific types of medications, as well as reactions to latex, is discussed. Allergies Ads Allergies Allergy Testing Skin Allergy Symptoms of Allergy Allergy and Hives Featured Articles Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications   More from About.com Is it a Cold or the Flu? Knowing whether you have a cold or the flu can help you treat your symptoms more effectively. More > Concerned About Your Drinking? This short quiz can help you identify whether or not you have a drinking problem. Take the quiz now > 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 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement