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Medicine safety

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to antibiotics?

Stop the antibiotic and seek medical advice; for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or fainting, call your emergency number immediately.

Esta información es solo orientativa de carácter general y no constituye un consejo médico. Consulta siempre a un profesional sanitario cualificado para cualquier asunto médico personal. En caso de emergencia, llama al número de emergencias de tu zona.

Mild reactions, such as a rash or itching, can happen with antibiotics like penicillins. If you notice these, stop taking the medicine and contact a doctor or pharmacist for advice and an alternative.

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is a medical emergency. Signs include swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a widespread rash, dizziness, or collapse. Call your local emergency number straight away and use an adrenaline auto-injector if you have one.

Always tell every clinician and pharmacist about any antibiotic allergy so it can be recorded, and carry that information with you. A true allergy may rule out a whole class of antibiotics, so accurate records matter.

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