Often the treatment of infectious bacterial diseases is not without antibiotics. In recent years, doctors have often prescribed Amoxiclav to patients. This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that suppresses the development of pathogenic microorganisms and prevents the development of secondary pathologies. Many patients are interested in whether there may be an allergy to Amoxiclav? Unfortunately, doctors answer this question in the affirmative.
This effective drug can not be prescribed to everyone. One of the contraindications to its use is allergy, which sometimes manifests itself as quite severe symptoms. A similar pathological reaction occurs upon repeated contact with the allergen. As an irritant, the body can perceive both the entire drug and its individual components.
Description of the drug
The semi-synthetic combined antibiotic of the penicillin series Amoxiclav contains two active components - clavulanic acid and amoxicillin. Resistance to enzymes that are formed during the development of pathogenic microorganisms in the body (lactamases) is obtained by the antibiotic due to potassium clavulanate.
The combination of clavulanic acid with amoxicillin expands the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of the drug. Amoxiclav is recommended for use with such ailments:
- Chronic and acute infectious processes of the respiratory system, ENT organs - pneumonia and sinusitis, bronchitis and tracheitis.
- Diseases of the urinary system - nephritis, cystitis, urethritis.
- Infectious diseases of the skin and soft tissues.
- Female genital infections.
- Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the digestive system.
The drug is available in the form of a powder, from which a medicinal suspension, tablets and powder for injection are prepared.
Release form
Amoxiclav is available in various dosages. The first figure on the package indicates the antibiotic content, the second means the amount of clavulanic acid.
Application
The drug is used in the treatment of adults and children from the first days of life. Dosage for babies is calculated according to the weight of the child. Up to 12 years old, it is recommended to use Amoxiclav in the form of a suspension.
This antibiotic is not prohibited for use by pregnant women, but it is prescribed only if there is an appropriate indication. Clavulanate and amoxicillin pass (in small amounts) into breast milk, so during lactation, treatment with this medication should be postponed.
Prerequisites for an allergy to the drug
Experts divide allergies to this antibacterial combination agent into two types:
- Acquired, which develops during treatment.
- Professional. She is affected by people whose work is associated with contact with medicines - these are employees of pharmaceutical companies, nurses.
Allergies to Amoxiclav are affected by a number of predisposing factors. These include:
- damage to the body by fungi;
- uncontrolled medication;
- allergic reactions to food;
- heredity.
The risk of negative reactions in people suffering from chronic diseases of the digestive system, in patients working in enterprises with difficult working conditions is increased. Intravenous and intramuscular injections of the drug increase the likelihood of developing an allergy to Amoxiclav, since in these cases the drug breaks down and is absorbed faster.
Allergy Causes
The main cause of any drug allergy is the reaction of the immune system to metabolites that are formed during the breakdown of active substances. The components that cause a negative reaction can be not only the main substances, but also additional components. The risk of developing allergies increases with too frequent use of the drug.
"Amoxiclav" refers to the group of antibiotics (semi-synthetic) of the penicillin series. It is these drugs that most often cause a pathological reaction. As a rule, with an allergy to penicillin, Amoxiclav is not prescribed. To provoke a reaction to the medication can also flavorings that are added to the children's form.
What is the allergy to Amoxiclav in adults?
The reaction can begin immediately after taking the drug, and after a few hours and even days. In this regard, distinguish:
- The reaction is immediate. In this case, symptoms of pathology are detected within 30-60 minutes. Immediately after contact with the irritant, signs of acute urticaria, Quincke's edema, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm may appear.
- Subacute type reaction. An allergy to Amoxiclav (the photo of the drug we placed in this material) is manifested during the day by an increase in temperature, thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the level of white blood cells in the blood, and papular rashes.
- Slow motion. It develops 2-5 days after contact with an irritating substance. The following pathological conditions are characteristic of this form of allergy to Amoxiclav: polyarthritis, joint and muscle pain, pyelonephritis, vasculitis (inflammation of the joints), enlarged lymph nodes, and inflammation of the liver. In some patients, blood pressure rises, abdominal pain is disturbing.
With drug intolerance, any form of pathology is characterized by skin rashes.
Symptoms of pathology
In adults, allergies to Amoxiclav may manifest in different ways. As a rule, pay attention to the 1-2 most pronounced signs of a reaction. Only in a small part of patients, many symptoms are immediately revealed, which include:
- blisters, vesicles, spots on the body;
- swelling of the eyelids, cheeks, lips;
- runny nose and sneezing, the release of a large amount of mucus from the nasal passages or their congestion;
- paroxysmal dry cough;
- wheezing in the lungs, shortness of breath;
- itching and burning in the eyes, tearing;
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
Childhood symptoms
It should be recognized that in pediatrics Amoxiclav is often used. Allergies to antibiotics in children are more pronounced and more severe than in adult patients. In addition to the above signs, an allergic reaction in babies can trigger the development of two serious complications:
- Lyell's Syndrome. In a child, a rash is localized not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes. The resulting spots can be colored red, pink and dark brown. They quickly turn into bubbles. When connecting individual foci, the pathological process covers a large surface of the skin, which in the acute stage resembles enormous erosion. The child has a fever, symptoms of intoxication are noted. The condition is serious, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Steven-Johnson Syndrome. Rashes spread to all mucous membranes and skin integuments. Body temperature rises sharply, keratitis and conjunctivitis develop.
When such complications of an allergy to Amoxiclav occur in a child, urgent hospitalization is required in the intensive care unit.
Pathology diagnostics
Of course, it is very important to know how the reaction to this antibiotic is manifested. But the fact is that according to the clinical picture, an allergy to Amoxiclav is not much different from other types of intolerance to medications. To determine the exact diagnosis, you must consult an allergist. The doctor will ask the patient (or parents), find out the history of the disease, establish a hereditary predisposition.
If you suspect intolerance to the drug, provocative tests are rarely performed, since they can provoke an exacerbation. Today, to establish a diagnosis, they use:
- Radio allergosorbent test - detecting specific immunoglobulins in the blood.
- Basophilic test based on degranulation of basophils in contact with an allergen.
- Enzyme immunoassays.
- The method of chemiluminescence.
After evaluating the results of all studies, a diagnosis is made. The treatment of allergies in adults with confirmation of the diagnosis is first of all canceled by the allergy-causing Amoxiclav. How to replace this antibiotic, the doctor must decide: the independent choice of antibacterial drugs can only worsen the condition.
A confirmed diagnosis of Amoxiclav allergy suggests that patients are quite often intolerant of many penicillin antibiotics. If continued antibiotic therapy is required, prescribe:
- Aminoglycosides - "Kanamycin", "Gentamicin"; "Tetracycline."
- Sulfonamides.
- Macrolides.
- "Erythromycin."
Then a hypoallergenic diet is prescribed. This will reduce the load on the liver. Smoked foods, spicy dishes, carbonated drinks, carbohydrates are excluded from the diet. Toxins are excreted faster when the drinking regimen is strengthened. In case of development of allergy symptoms, antihistamines are prescribed. The use of oral forms is recommended, and in case of damage to the skin - external agents.
The doctor selects antihistamines in accordance with the intensity of the symptoms and taking into account the patient’s profession, as some drugs slow down the reaction rate. The most effective means include:
- "Loratadine."
- "Tsetrin."
- The Zodak.
- Astemizol, as well as other new generation drugs.
To remove irritation on the skin, external agents are used, but unlike the treatment of children, the use of hormonal ointments is allowed:
- Advantan.
- Sinaflan.
- "Elokom."
When using hormonal agents, it should be borne in mind that the dosage and the recommended duration of treatment must be strictly observed.
Features of treating children
In case of allergy to Amoxiclav in a child, antihistamines are selected in accordance with the age of the baby. It should be borne in mind that not all drugs that are used to treat adults are suitable for small patients. The doctor needs to calculate the dosage correctly. If you are allergic to Amoxiclav in a child (you can see the photo of symptoms in the article):
- Fenistil (drops).
- "Erius" (syrup).
- Suprastin.
- Claritin.
To reduce irritation during rashes on the skin, as well as to accelerate the recovery of the epidermis, ointments should be used:
- Zinc.
- Bepanten.
- "Psilo-balm."
- Fenistil (emulsion or gel).
- Fleming's ointment.
Pregnant treatment
During pregnancy, an allergy to Amoxiclav is extremely rare, since during this period women try not to prescribe potent drugs. Nevertheless, you should know what will help get rid of the symptoms of the reaction and will not harm the expectant mother and baby.
At this time, which is crucial for women, most antihistamines are prohibited, and even non-toxic to the fetus must be taken under strict medical supervision. Antiallergenic drugs allowed during pregnancy include:
- Suprastin. It is not recommended to prescribe this tool in the first as well as third trimester.
- Zirtek. Relieves symptoms of asthma, but is not allowed for use in the first 12 weeks.
- "Telfast", "Erius", "Diazolin", "Claritin", is allowed for use in the third trimester.
Preventive actions
It is difficult to predict in advance whether an allergy to the Amoxiclav prescribed by the doctor will occur. The reaction of its intolerance often occurs in completely healthy people who have never had a history of allergic reactions. According to statistics, allergies to this antibiotic are detected in less than 0.8% of patients taking the drug. To avoid a negative reaction should:
- Use the antibiotic only as directed and under the supervision of a physician.
- Report to the GP or pediatrician any past allergic reactions to the medication.
- Strictly observe the dosage and duration of treatment.
In the presence of a diagnosed allergy to Amoxiclav, if necessary, treatment with antibacterial agents, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic of another group.
Patient Reviews
According to most people who have used Amoxiclav to treat various ailments, this is an effective and effective medicine. An allergy to it does not occur too often, but if the reaction symptoms have manifested in you or your child, inform your doctor. Do not self-medicate: it can only aggravate the situation. An allergist or therapist will select the necessary drugs for the treatment of pathology.