Dr. Curt ChaffinQ: Am I allergic to penicillin?
A: Probably not. For many years, we have known that most people labeled penicillin-allergic can safely tolerate penicillin products, such as amoxicillin and augmentin. We know that more than 90 percent of people labeled penicillin-allergic who were accidentally given penicillin did not develop a rash or any more serious reactions.
Recently, simple skin testing was developed to determine who is unlikely to have a penicillin reaction. It's important to know whether you are penicillin-allergic, because if you are in need of an antibiotic and labeled allergic, a more expensive, powerful and broad-spectrum antibiotic is prescribed. These antibiotics have several downsides. By doing skin testing, most people can save money and use safer medications over time. If you have had reactions to penicillin in the past or have been labeled penicillin-allergic, contact a board-certified allergist. He or she can provide proper testing to determine if you are truly allergic.
- Dr. Curt Chaffin, The Allergy & Asthma Group; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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