Infectious bacterial diseases are often treated with antibiotics. In recent years, doctors quite often prescribe Amoxiclav to patients. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits the development of pathogenic microorganisms and prevents the development of secondary pathologies. Many patients are interested in whether there can be an allergy to Amoxiclav? Unfortunately, doctors answer this question in the affirmative.
This effective drug may not be prescribed for everyone. One of the contraindications to its use is allergy, which sometimes manifests itself with rather 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.
Medication description
Semi-synthetic combinedthe 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 (lactamase), the antibiotic receives 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 in 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 as a powder, from which a drug suspension, tablets and powder for injection are prepared.
Issue form
"Amoxiclav" is available in various dosages. The content of the antibiotic is indicated by the first number on the package, the second indicates 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, 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 indicated. clavulanate and amoxicillinpass (in small amounts) into breast milk, therefore, during lactation, treatment with this medication should be postponed.
Prerequisites for drug allergy
Specialists divide the allergy to this antibacterial combined agent into two types:
- Acquired, which develops during treatment.
- Professional. It affects people whose work is related to contact with drugs - these are workers in the pharmaceutical industry, nurses.
A number of predisposing factors influence the occurrence of an allergy to Amoxiclav. These include:
- damage to the body by fungi;
- uncontrolled drug intake;
- allergic reactions to food;
- heredity.
Increased risk of negative reactions in people suffering from chronic diseases of the digestive system, in patients working in enterprises with difficult working conditions. Intravenous and intramuscular injections of the drug increase the likelihood of developing an allergy to Amoxiclav, since in these cases the drug is broken down and 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. An increased risk of developing allergiesoveruse of the drug.
"Amoxiclav" belongs 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, if you are allergic to penicillin, Amoxiclav is not prescribed. Flavorings that are added to the children's form can also provoke a reaction to the medication.
How does an allergy to Amoxiclav manifest itself in adults?
The reaction can begin immediately after taking the drug, and after a few hours or even days. In this regard, allocate:
- An immediate type reaction. In this case, the symptoms of pathology are detected within 30-60 minutes. Immediately after contact with an irritant, signs of acute urticaria, Quincke's edema, anaphylaxis, bronchospasm may appear.
- Reaction of subacute type. Allergy to "Amoxiclav" (we posted a photo of the drug in this material) manifests itself during the day with fever, thrombocytopenia, a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood, papular rashes.
- Delayed form. It develops 2-5 days after contact with an irritating substance. For this form of allergy to "Amoxiclav" the following pathological conditions are characteristic: polyarthritis, pain in the joints and muscles, pyelonephritis, vasculitis (inflammation of the joints), swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the liver. Some patients have increased blood pressure, pain in the abdomen.
With intolerance to the drug for any form of pathology, rashes on the skin are characteristic.
Symptoms of pathology
Adults can have differentmanifest an allergy to "Amoxiclav". As a rule, pay attention to 1-2 most pronounced signs of the reaction. Only a small proportion of patients have many symptoms at once, which should include:
- blisters, blisters, spots on the body;
- swelling of eyelids, cheeks, lips;
- runny nose and sneezing, discharge of large amounts 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.
Children's symptoms
It should be recognized that in pediatrics, "Amoxiclav" is often used. Allergy to antibiotics in children is more pronounced and more severe than in adult patients. In addition to the above signs, an allergic reaction in babies can provoke the development of two serious complications:
Lyell's syndrome. The child has a localized rash not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes. The resulting spots can be painted in red, pink and dark brown. They turn into bubbles very quickly. When connecting individual foci, the pathological process covers a large surface of the skin, which in the acute stage resembles a huge erosion. The child has a fever, symptoms of intoxication are noted. The condition is serious, it can lead to serious consequences
Steven-Johnson Syndrome. All mucous membranes and skinrashes spread. Body temperature rises sharply, keratitis and conjunctivitis develop
When such complications of an allergy to Amoxiclav appear in a child, urgent hospitalization is required in the intensive care unit.
Diagnosis of pathology
Of course, it is very important to know how the reaction to this antibiotic manifests itself. 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 need to contact an allergist. The doctor will ask the patient (or parents), find out the anamnesis of the course of the disease, establish a hereditary predisposition.
When drug intolerance is suspected, provocative tests are rarely performed, as they can provoke an exacerbation. Today they use: to make a diagnosis
- Radioallergosorbent test - detecting specific immunoglobulins in the blood.
- Basophilic test based on degranulation of basophils upon contact with an allergen.
- Immunoassay tests.
- Chemiluminescence method.
After evaluating the results of all studies, a diagnosis is established. The treatment of allergies in adults, when the diagnosis is confirmed, is first of all canceled by the Amoxiclav that caused the allergy. How to replace this antibiotic, the doctor must decide: an independent choice of antibacterial drugs can only worsen the condition.
Confirmed diagnosisAllergy to "Amoxiclav" suggests that patients often have an intolerance reaction to many antibiotics of the penicillin series. If continued antibiotic therapy is required, prescribe:
- Aminoglycosides - "Kanamycin", "Gentamicin"; Tetracycline.
- Sulfanilamides.
- Macrolides.
- Erythromycin.
Then a hypoallergenic diet is prescribed. This will reduce the load on the liver. Smoked meats, spicy dishes, carbonated drinks, carbohydrates are excluded from the diet. Toxins are more quickly excreted from the body with increased drinking regimen. If allergy symptoms develop, antihistamines are prescribed. The use of oral forms is recommended, and in case of damage to the skin, external agents.
Antihistamines are selected by the doctor according to the intensity of the symptoms and the profession of the patient, since some drugs slow down the reaction rate. The most effective means include:
- "Loratadine".
- Cetrin.
- Zodak.
- Astemizol, as well as other new generation drugs.
To relieve skin irritation, external agents are used, but unlike the treatment of children, hormonal ointments are allowed:
- "Advantan".
- Sinaflan.
- Elokom.
When using hormonal drugs, it should be borne in mind that the dosage and recommended duration of treatment must be strictly observed.
Features of treatmentchildren
When a child is allergic to "Amoxiclav", antihistamines are selected according to the age of the baby. It should be borne in mind that not all drugs that are used to treat adults are suitable for young patients. The doctor needs to correctly calculate the dosage. If you are allergic to "Amoxiclav" in a child (you can see a photo of the symptoms in the article), use:
- "Fenistil" (drops).
- Erius (syrup).
- "Suprastin".
- Claritin.
To reduce irritation with skin rashes, as well as to speed up the recovery of the epidermis, ointments should be used:
- Zinc.
- Bepanthen.
- Psilo Balm.
- "Fenistil" (emulsion or gel).
- Fleming's ointment.
Treatment of pregnant women
During pregnancy, an allergy to "Amoxiclav" occurs extremely rarely, because during this period women try not to prescribe potent drugs. However, 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 crucial time for a woman, most antihistamines are prohibited for use, and even non-toxic drugs for the fetus must be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor. Anti-allergic drugs allowed during pregnancy include:
- "Suprastin". It is not recommended to prescribe this remedy in the first, as well as the third trimester.
- Zyrtec. Relieves symptoms of bronchial asthma, but notallowed for use in the first 12 weeks.
- "Telfast", "Erius", "Diazolin", "Claritin", is allowed for use in the third trimester.
Prevention measures
It is difficult to predict in advance whether there will be an allergy to Amoxiclav prescribed by the doctor. The reaction of its intolerance often occurs in perfectly he althy people who have never had an allergic reaction in their anamnesis. According to statistics, an allergy to this antibiotic is detected in less than 0.8% of patients taking the drug. To avoid backlash, you should:
- Use antibiotic only as directed and under medical supervision.
- Tell your GP or pediatrician about past allergic reactions to medications.
- Strictly adhere to the dosage and duration of treatment.
If there is a diagnosed allergy to Amoxiclav, if treatment with antibacterial agents is necessary, the doctor prescribes an antibiotic of another group.
Patient testimonials
According to most people who have used Amoxiclav to treat various ailments, this is an effective and efficient drug. Allergies to it do not occur very often, but if you or your child has symptoms of a reaction, tell your doctor about it. Do not self-medicate: it can only aggravate the situation. An allergist or therapist will select the necessary drugs for the treatment of pathology.
