Hi

Thanks for your query

You seem to be developing an allergic reaction due to the intake of oral azithromycin.
Now azithromycin, though a largely safe antibiotic , is known to cause skin allergic reactions in few of its users.
The skin rashes which can occur from the intake of the drug vary from pruritus, urticaria, photosensitivity and, rarely, serious skin reactions (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis).
Now in your case, you have history of development of redness and erythema over your face after the intake of drug, so you seem to have developed a photosensitive skin rash after the intake of the drug.
Since you already have history of development of an allergic drug reaction in the past, i would strongly recommend you not to take this antibiotic in the future again.
The allergic skin reactions that one develops after any drug intake has a potential to increase every time on subsequent intake of the drug. So there is always a chance that the future reactions can be more severe than the initial ones.
Although some people recommend the intake of oral antiallergic tablets and oral steroids before the intake of any suspected allergen, this is not a widely practiced and i would not recommend the same.
I would rather suggest that you should avoid taking the macrolide group of antibiotics and switch over to some other safer antibiotic recommended for your problem.

Hope it helps

If you have any other query, please let me know.

Dr Geetika Paul

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Hi

Once you have taken the drug and you have a history of a skin reaction in the past, you can start with a course of oral antihistamines on daily basis atleast for 3-4 days atleast. This is required as azithromycin has a long half life and it tends to stay in our body for a longer period of time after intake. Usually this course is sufficient in most cases to prevent the development of any allergic reactions.

If however, any time you feel that the reaction is still developing inspite of the therapy, then in such cases, a course of oral steroids might be essential to prevent any further spread. For that, you might need to see a dermatologist or a general physician as soon as possible.

Any other query that you have,please let me know.

Dr Geetika Paul

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Hi,

Benadryl is an antiallergic drug and hence is useful in any kind of allergic reactions.
Regular dosing according to body weight is however required for complete action. Adult dosage is usually 25 to 50 mg thrice a day.

Azithromycin has a half life of upto 68 hours and total elimination from body can take upto 5 to 6 days.

Hope that answers your query.

Dr Geetika Paul

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