When my daughter was prescribed amoxicillin, a drug in the same family as penicillin, we didn’t give it a second thought. We have no history of penicillin allergies our family. However, the next day, my daughter turned red from head to toe, and the condition worsened over the next week. Phone calls with the nurse and our experiences with our oldest daughter led us to believe that the rash was roseola, common in infants with high fever. When she was prescribed amoxicillin for a second infection a month later, and turned red from head to toe, we realized what was really going on. My daughter had an allergy to amoxicillin, and therefore, penicillin as well. This common allergy is one of the most dangerous, and amoxicillin side effects should be clearly understood before its use.
What is amoxicillin?
Drugs.com defines amoxicillin as “an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in your body.” My daughter was prescribed amoxicillin to treat recurrent ear infections. It is also used to treat bladder infections, E. coli, gonorrhea, pneumonia, and additional infections.
What are some common amoxicillin side effects?
The amoxicillin side effect that my daughter experienced, a red rash, is one of the most common in children. The NIH’s Medline Plus reports that upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea should be reported to your doctor if they are severe or persistent. They also mention the other potential amoxicillin side effects which are less common, but may be serious. They include, but are not limited to, “severe skin rash, hives, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising, pale skin, excessive tiredness, or lack of energy.
When should you contact your doctor?
When in doubt about an amoxicillin side effect that you are experiencing, you should always contact a doctor. Penicillin and amoxicillin allergies could cause a severe reaction in some people, and if you suspect a severe reaction like this you should contact emergency services immediately. Even seemingly minor amoxicillin side effects, such as my daughter’s rash, should be inspected by a doctor. We are lucky that her reaction was limited to the rash, and we realize now how dangerous it was for us to assume that it was roseola and not take her in right away.
Are there tips for coping with minor amoxicillin side effects?
If amoxicillin is causing an upset stomach, try taking it with a small meal, or alternately, on an empty stomach. If you are suffering from exhaustion on lack of energy, give yourself and your body time to rest and recuperate from the illness and the medication. In cases where an allergic reaction is suspected, as with my youngest daughter, the doctor discontinued the amoxicillin and prescribed a different antibiotic. If side effects are severe, this may be the best course of action.
As with all medications and side effects, your best resource is your physician. Be sure to discuss any side effects that you may experience from amoxicillin or penicillin with him or her. Hopefully, the antibiotic won’t bother you, and will treat your infection quickly and painlessly.
Resources:
Amoxicillin; Drugs.com; http://www.drugs.com/amoxicillin.html
Amoxicillin; NIH Medline Plus; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a685001.html
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