Anyone who’s recently been diagnosed with a penicillin allergy will have many questions about how to manage their day-to-day life.

Take a look at our article where we explain the facts behind this allergy and offer some different ways to manage it.

Once you know more about your penicillin allergy and how to live with it, it will become a whole lot less daunting, and you’ll approach your everyday life with more confidence.

What is a penicillin allergy?

Penicillin refers to a family of antibiotics used to treat a range of bacterial infections.

For most people, penicillin is a safe and effective treatment. But for others, it may produce unwelcome symptoms, which can come on quickly after using it. These symptoms may even develop if you haven’t had any reaction to penicillin previously. They include:

  • A raised, itchy rash (hives)
  • Swelling around the face, hands or feet
  • Fever
  • Irritated eyes

Most of these symptoms can be treated with an antihistamine or a corticosteroid, while fever may be treated with over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol and rest.

In severe cases of penicillin allergy, anaphylaxis may occur. This is a serious, life-threatening reaction that may involve:

  • Swelling around the lips, tongue and throat
  • Respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing or chest tightness
  • A sudden drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with adrenaline, which could be via an autoinjector device or administered by the emergency services.

Call triple zero (000) if you or someone close to you shows signs of anaphylaxis.

Who is at risk of penicillin allergy?

Penicillin allergy can affect anyone, but some factors may put you at higher risk. These include:

  • Having other allergies such as hay fever or a food allergy
  • Having an allergic reaction to another type of drug
  • Having a history of drug allergy in your family
  • Repeated exposure to penicillin — for example, frequent courses for multiple infections
  • Having a health condition or illness linked to allergic drug reactions, examples of which include the Epstein-Barr virus and HIV infection

How is penicillin allergy diagnosed?

Penicillin allergy can be diagnosed by an allergy specialist or immunologist, who will take your medical history and perform a skin test.

What medications can I take instead of penicillin?

If you have a penicillin allergy, alternative medication is available.

A family of drugs called cephalosporins works in a similar manner to penicillin-based treatments and may be suitable for you but should be avoided by anyone with a history of anaphylaxis.

Protein synthesis inhibitors, which stop the production of protein that bacteria need to survive, are another alternative. This group of drugs includes tetracyclines and chloramphenicol.

You may also be offered penicillin desensitisation to allow you to take penicillin safely. Very small doses of penicillin are offered approximately every 20 minutes over a period of around four hours. After this time, most people are able to tolerate penicillin, though you would have to repeat the procedure the next time you need penicillin.

How can I manage my penicillin allergy?

The first thing you need to do if you suspect you have a penicillin allergy is to seek advice from your doctor. They can refer you to an allergy specialist who will be able to make a formal diagnosis.

Once you know for sure you have a penicillin allergy, you may wish to:

  • Discuss penicillin alternatives with your doctor.
  • Carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) autoinjector if you are at risk of anaphylaxis and if it's recommended by your doctor.
  • Tell healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses and dentists that you have a penicillin allergy when you go to medical appointments.
  • Request that a note is made in your medical records of your penicillin allergy.
  • Wear a medical wristband with information about your allergy. This can be a specific penicillin allergy bracelet or a plain, write-on medical ID that you fill in yourself.
  • As an alternative, you could keep a medical alert card in your wallet with details of your allergy.

It’s also useful to know that you may lose your penicillin allergy over time. But in the meantime, it’s best to take steps to adjust your lifestyle to avoid any adverse reactions and help you live a normal life.

Helping you manage your medical conditions

Now that you know more about penicillin allergy, you should have the confidence to live with it successfully.

As you’ve seen in this article, there are lots of ways to manage your allergy without it dominating your life.

Take a look at the medical wristband and alert options offered on the Mediband website. We believe in taking the worry out of day-to-day life through our quality products, including penicillin allergy and more, to help you manage your medical conditions.