If you are allergic to penicillin would you also be allergic to amoxicillan?

Question

thanks!!!

Answer 1

There would be a huge risk, yes.  The chemical structures of the two are extremely similar.  If you've had an allergic reaction to penicillin, you should never be prescribed amoxicillin or any other pencillin-class drug.  For mild reactions, other beta-lactam drugs like cephalosporins often turn out to be safe.  After a severe penicillin reaction, they'd probably never be used, either.

The main point is that penicillin is the single drug most likely to cause fatal allergic reactions, so that we don't take such chances.  If you've had an allergic reaction to penicillin, you simply would never be given amoxicillin.  Your doctor wouldn't test whether you were allergic to both; it's just safest to not find out.   E.g., 20 years ago, I had a rash in response to ampicillin that was probably not a true allergic reaction - but no one wants to take that chance - I have not been prescribed a penicillin since.

Answer 2

Yes, amoxicillin belongs to same family of beta lactam antibiotics; only difference being it has a broader spectrum of action as compared to crystalline (normal) penicillin.

P.S- Generally, erythromycin is a good alternative in patients with allergy to penicillins depending on the infection. See attached article for more info on amoxcillin (under heading 'Before taking amoxicillin').

Answer 3

Amoxycillin is a penicillin based antibiotic, so you would probably be wise to avoid it.

Answer 4

Yes, Probably.  That if it is a True Allergy.

Answer 5

Oh yes you would.  My granddaughter is.

Answer 6

No,it's specifically designed as an alternative to penicillin.

Answer 7

I don't know the chemical make up or anything like that, but I will say that I am allergic to penicillin but I am NOT allergic to amoxicillan. I guess it depends on the person maybe.

Answer 8

It is very likely, since both have the same active chemical area.