Skip to content

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.

Ces informations sont fournies à titre indicatif uniquement et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Consultez toujours un professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute préoccupation médicale personnelle. En cas d'urgence, appelez votre numéro d'urgence local.

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.

Related to this question

More health answers

See a doctor online now