Are You Allergic to Antibiotics?

 Many people list various antibiotics on their list of medicine allergies, the most common of which is penicillin. In fact, 10% of the population considers themselves allergic to penicillin -- although studies show that only 1% of the population is actually allergic to penicillin. Other common antibiotic allergies include sulfa antibiotics and cephalosporins, which are cousins of penicillins. There is commercially available allergy testing available for penicillin allergy, but not for other antibiotics.

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Are You Allergic to Antibiotics?  Many people list various antibiotics on their list of medicine allergies, the most common of which is penicillin. In fact, 10% of the population considers themselves allergic to penicillin -- although studies show that only 1% of the population is actually allergic to penicillin. Other common antibiotic allergies include sulfa antibiotics and cephalosporins, which are cousins of penicillins. There is commercially available allergy testing available for penicillin allergy, but not for other antibiotics. Daniel More, MD Allergies Expert What Is a Penicillin Allergy and How Is It Treated? 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 NOW 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. READ NOW Sulfa Drug Allergy "Sulfa allergy" is a term used to describe adverse drug reactions to sulfonamides, a group of drugs that includes those with and without antibiotic characteristics. Antibiotic sulfonamides were the first antibiotics used to treat infections, although today are used much less frequently given their common side effects. Common sulfa antibiotics include Septra®, Bactrim® and Pediazole®. READ NOW Cephalosporins and Penicillin Allergy A common question that other doctors or patients ask me is if they can take a cephalosporin antibiotic if they are allergic to penicillin. These two types of antibiotics are similar -- and could be considered as "cousins" of each other. There is concern that if a person is allergic to cephalosporins, then they could be allergic to penicillins as well -- or vice versa. READ NOW Featured Articles • The Best Snack Bars for Weight Loss • 8 High-Protein Smoothies To Fuel Your Workouts • 10 Signs You're an Annoying Fitness Freak • 7 Reasons to Cook With a Muffin Pan • Getting an MRI with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • What Is Cognitive Reserve? Can It Protect Our Brains from Alzheimer's? • 8 Easy 100-Calorie Snack Packs That You Can Make at Home • Five Strategies for Managing Eating Disorder Thoughts Advertisement About Allergies  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.