Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Penicillin And Erythromycin
Question: My 7 year old grandson has had severe reactions to penicillins and erythromycin. Usually after he has taken it for at least 3 days. Hospitalized with raised welts all over his body. Can he be reactive to the virus that is making his throat sore and not the drugs?? If it truly is the drugs what is his alternatives.
Brief Answer:
It could be in reaction to application of antibiotics in a viral infection
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query. However, there are a few things to ask. The first thing to ask is whether your grandson has ever been treated with penicillin or erythromycin. If he has been treated with these antibiotics earlier but did not show any reaction at that point of time, chances are that the present episode is not due to penicillin allergy. Rather, it could be as a reaction to the ailment itself. Epstein Barr Virus is a very common cause of sore throat (infectious mononucleosis) and such a condition when treated with antibiotics of penicillin group is known to cause rashes. Viral infections are not expected to respond to antibiotics and even if sore throat is due to bacterial cause (a bacteria called Streptococcus), it does not need to be treated with antibiotics. Irrespective of the use of antibiotics, it resolves on its own in around 5 days. All that needs to be done is to gurgle with lukewarm water.
In a nutshell, the reaction could be due to application of antibiotics in a viral infection. It does not mean that he is reactive to the virus or the medicine. As of now, the antibiotics should be stopped and antiallergics like cetirizine used. Other medicines might be required to be used based on the symptoms present.
Let me know if you have any further queries.
Regards
It could be in reaction to application of antibiotics in a viral infection
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query. However, there are a few things to ask. The first thing to ask is whether your grandson has ever been treated with penicillin or erythromycin. If he has been treated with these antibiotics earlier but did not show any reaction at that point of time, chances are that the present episode is not due to penicillin allergy. Rather, it could be as a reaction to the ailment itself. Epstein Barr Virus is a very common cause of sore throat (infectious mononucleosis) and such a condition when treated with antibiotics of penicillin group is known to cause rashes. Viral infections are not expected to respond to antibiotics and even if sore throat is due to bacterial cause (a bacteria called Streptococcus), it does not need to be treated with antibiotics. Irrespective of the use of antibiotics, it resolves on its own in around 5 days. All that needs to be done is to gurgle with lukewarm water.
In a nutshell, the reaction could be due to application of antibiotics in a viral infection. It does not mean that he is reactive to the virus or the medicine. As of now, the antibiotics should be stopped and antiallergics like cetirizine used. Other medicines might be required to be used based on the symptoms present.
Let me know if you have any further queries.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
