Duration of the allergic reaction

The duration of the allergic reaction against the active substance amoxicillin depends on its severity, on the patient himself and on how quickly the drug causing the allergic reaction is removed from the body or no longer supplied to it. Smaller skin rashes, which were also noticed early, often disappear the same day. Other symptoms, such as hives, pustules, eczema, gastrointestinal complaints and indisposition can also last for several days.

Their improvement can then be specifically brought about by treatment. In the worst case, an allergic shock can occur, which can also be a life-threatening emergency situation. The shock can last up to several days and in some cases intensive medical treatment of several days may be necessary.

What are the alternatives to amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin belongs to the group of penicillins. Since an allergy to Amoxicillin is also an allergy to the other penicillins, these cannot be given either, although they have a similar spectrum of activity. Furthermore, an allergy to penicillin can also be an allergy to cephalosporins.

Depending on the bacterial disease, a different antibiotic must then be used. Often this is an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones or macrolides. In the case of pneumonia, fluoroquinolones (e.g.

levofloxacin) or macrolides (e.g. clarithromycin) are used as alternatives. For tonsillitis, macrolides e.g. erythromycin or clindamycin are given. Amoxiciline is also frequently used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

The Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium which is associated with stomach ulcers. Metronidazole is used instead of amoxiciline. In case of Lyme disease, which is transmitted via ticks, Doxycyclin is used as an alternative.

Besides these common indications for amoxicillin, there are many other diseases for which amoxiciline is used. In some cases, a smear test is used to determine which antibiotics can be used against the bacterium. The antibiotic class of cephalosporins also belongs to the beta-lactams and therefore contains similar components against which the antibodies of amoxicillin allergy sufferers can be directed. There is therefore a fourfold higher probability of an allergy to cephalosporins in the case of an already existing amoxicillin or penicillin allergy. However, it is useful to carry out an allergy test, as cephalosporins are important antibiotics in the treatment of bronchitis, middle ear infections, pneumonia and in the prophylaxis of infections during operations.

Can other penicillins also cause an allergy?

The antibiotics from the group of penicillins are among those most frequently used in the treatment of many diseases. They therefore also play a major role in the development of an allergy. As there are many different penicillins, such as natural penicillin G and V, aminopenicillins or penicillinase-resistant penicillins, the allergic reactions to the active substance also differ.

The natural penicillins usually trigger an immediate type of reaction. This manifests itself as a urticarial skin rash with wheals, eczema, angioedema or even life-threatening anaphylactic shock with respiratory and circulatory problems. Here, rapid treatment is urgently required.

Aminopenicillins, on the other hand, often trigger a reaction only after a few days after treatment with the drug. The late-onset allergy often manifests itself in the form of an exanthema. Since the different penicillins are very similar in their chemical structure, it is possible to react similarly to another antibiotic from this group if the patient has experienced an allergy. Therefore, this group should be avoided to a large extent and other antibiotic preparations should be used for treatment. .