What is a Penicillin Allergy?

QUESTION: I have a deathly fear that I may be allergic to penicillin and that
some day it may be the drug that can save my life. I need more information.
Please discuss penicillin allergy.
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ANSWER: Although penicillin, the first antibiotic to be discovered, is
effective in treating such infections as pneumonia, strep throat, and urinary
tract infections, many people are allergic to it, and can have very severe
reactions. Because of this, it is important to check for allergy before you
take this drug.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual reaction to any drug, so
he or she can determine whether that drug is a member of the penicillin
family. In addition, tell your doctor what other medications you are
taking--some can interact with penicillin.
If you are unsure about whether you are allergic to penicillin, your
doctor may decide to do a skin test to be sure--or he or she may select a
different kind of antibiotic for you. If the skin test suggests that you are
allergic to penicillin, but the doctor feels that that is the best way to
treat your infection, a desensitization procedure may be necessary so that you
can take the drug without getting an allergic reaction.
In general, the closer the time of reaction is to the first dose, the
more likely it is to be related to the penicillin, rather than to the
infection itself. If you are taking penicillin and develop a skin rash,
wheezing, or hoarseness, stop taking the drug and call your doctor for advice.
However, some symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, may be side
effects of taking the medicine, rather than signs of allergy, and usually
disappear as your body adapts.
If you know you are allergic to penicillin or other medication, you may
want to wear an identification tag or bracelet that warns medical
professionals of your allergy.
Whenever you take an antibiotic, it is particularly important to follow
directions exactly. Penicillin and other antibiotics are prescribed in the
amount necessary to get rid of the infection. Even if you feel better after a
few days of taking the medication, it's important to continue taking it until
it is used up in order to clear up the infection completely. If you stop too
early, your infection may return, and you may have to start taking the
medicine all over again.
Also follow the instructions on the label about how many doses to take
each day, and make an effort to take them at regular intervals. If you forget
to take a dose at the proper time, take it as soon as you remember, even if
you have to take two doses at once.
Most kinds of penicillin should be taken on an empty stomach, either one
hour before a meal or two hours after, with a full glass of water.
If you take penicillin as directed, you shouldn't have any left over, and
you should never give it to anyone else without consulting a doctor. Never
keep penicillin or any antibiotic on your medicine cabinet shelf for longer
than six months. Actually, if you and your physician are working together and
are in step, there should only be enough medication prescribed for your actual
needs and your medicine bottle should be empty when your treatment ends.
That's called "cost-effective" care, for you will receive all the benefits
from this powerful antibiotic, and never spend a nickel more than you need
to!