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Ampicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashAAmpicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashAmpicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashEnglishDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)Rash2020-01-17T05:00:00Z11.300000000000043.60000000000001598.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>An overview of ampicillin or amoxicillin rash including the symptoms, causes and treatment options.</p><h2>What is an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash? </h2><p>Ampicillin and <a href="/article?contentid=73&language=english">amoxicillin</a> are penicillin-type antibiotics. Ampicillin is given intravenously, and amoxicillin is given by mouth. They treat different types of bacterial infections and are commonly used in children.</p><p>Some children develop a skin irritation while taking one of these medicines. These are ampicillin or amoxicillin rashes. They are generally divided into two groups:<br></p><ol><li> <strong>Immediate reactions</strong>: usually begin within one to two hours of taking the medication. When your child is first exposed to the medication, this may occur in the last days of treatment, but subsequent reactions will often occur after the first dose in a course.</li><li> <strong>Delayed reactions</strong>: usually occur several hours (typically days) after exposure to the medication, and may begin days after treatment is completed. These are more common than immediate reactions. They are less predictable and less likely to develop again with repeat exposure to the medication.</li></ol><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Ampicillin or amoxicillin rashes are skin changes that can develop while as a reaction to these medicines.</li><li>The reactions can be immediate (within one to two hours) or delayed (after hours or days).</li><li>See your child's doctor right away if they develop a more serious allergic reaction (for example, if your child looks unwell, has a high fever, develops blistering, difficulty breathing).<br></li><li>Maculopapular rashes are common and don't necessarily mean your child is allergic to the medication.<br></li><li>Patients who develop hives should be referred for allergy testing.</li></ul> <br> <br><h2>Signs and symptoms of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Drug reactions have specific features that are usually clear by history of rash and other associated symptoms:<br></p> <figure> <span class="asset-image-title">Hives</span><img alt="Hives on torso" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hives_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpg" /></figure> <h3>Hives (also called Urticaria)</h3><p>These are raised, itchy, red or white swellings. They may occur in immediate OR delayed reactions (delayed urticarial eruptions). Individual spots usually go away within 24 hours, but new ones can continue to appear.</p><h3>Maculopapular rash (also called Morbilliform)</h3><p>This is a rash on the skin made up of small, flat red circles and little red bumps. It usually involves most of the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs, and may involve the face. It may be itchy and often occurs as part of a delayed reaction days after starting the medicine.</p><p>The rash tends to spread to other areas over several days. This is the most common ampicillin or amoxicillin rash, occurring in 5%–10% of children, particularly when they also have a viral infection.</p><h2>Causes of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash </h2><p>There are different explanations for the immediate and delayed skin rashes that develop when taking ampicillin or amoxicillin. While both types of reactions are due to the medications, they are caused by different pathways within the immune system with important differences: </p><ol><li> <strong>Immediate reactions</strong>: sometimes referred to as 'true allergy'. They result from activation of proteins (IgE antibodies) that the body makes against the medication and can lead to serious <a href="/article?contentid=781&language=english">anaphylactic reactions</a>. These reactions are more likely to occur when receiving intravenous (IV) ampicillin.</li><li> <strong>Delayed reactions</strong>: often referred to as 'delayed hypersensitivity' reactions. This results from the activation of immune cells (T-cells) not involved in the anaphylaxis pathway. If a child has a viral infection when they take the medication, this can change the immune response to antibiotics and make this type of reaction more likely, though doctors do not fully understand why.</li></ol><h2>Risk factors for developing an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Risk factors related to the medication:</p><ul><li>how the medication is given (intravenous (IV) ampicillin has a higher degree of risk than oral amoxicillin)</li><li>longer length of treatment</li><li>repeated exposure to the medication</li><li>having a viral infection while taking the medication (for example, ~90% of patients with <a href="/article?contentid=901&language=english">mononucleosis (mono)</a> develop a rash after starting ampicillin or amoxicillin)</li></ul><p>Risk factors related to the patient:</p><ul><li>Females are more likely than males to suffer a rash from ampicillin. </li><li>Older children may be more likely to develop an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash. This may be due to increased exposure in older age groups.</li></ul><h2>Treatment of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Both types of rash usually go away once your child stops taking the medicine. Hives usually disappear within hours. A maculopapular rash may take one to two weeks to go away and may get worse for a few days once the drug is stopped.</p><p>General treatment recommendations include:</p><ul><li>stopping the medication<br></li><li>giving oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine) for itch</li><li>using topical steroids (e.g., Hydrocortisone cream) to help with itch and redness</li><li>taking pictures of the rash to show your health-care provider</li><li>talking to your doctor about continuing or changing the medication</li></ul><h2>Complications of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><h3>Anaphylaxis</h3><p>Hives that occur as an immediate reaction may be part of a more serious type of allergic reaction called <a href="/article?contentid=781&language=english">anaphylaxis</a>. However, hives can also occur in delayed reactions (delayed urticaria), and it can often be difficult for patients and caregivers to determine whether it is an immediate, serious reaction or a delayed reaction. Seek medical attention immediately if your child has hives with any of the following symptoms:</p><ul><li>difficulty breathing</li><li>wheezing</li><li>face or lip swelling</li><li> <a href="/article?contentid=746&language=english">vomiting</a> or collapse</li></ul><h3>Severe skin reactions</h3><p>Some serious forms of delayed reactions can begin with a maculopapular rash and then progress to more severe signs and symptoms. Seek medical attention if your child develops any of the following:</p><ul><li>significant <a href="/article?contentid=30&language=english">fever</a> (>38°C or 100.4°F) *</li><li>involvement of mucous membranes (mouth, nostrils, eyelids, genital area)</li><li>skin tenderness or pain</li><li>blistering (bubbles in the skin filled with liquid)</li></ul><p>*Although fever may be present with an underlying infection, a worrisome fever in this case is one that begins after the infection has begun to improve and happens at the same time as the new skin reaction.</p><h3>Intolerance</h3><p>In addition to the rash, some children may suffer from other side effects while on ampicillin or amoxicillin. These side effects may include:</p><ul><li>belly aches or pain</li><li>heartburn</li><li>nausea</li><li>vomiting</li><li> <a href="/article?contentid=7&language=english">diarrhea</a></li></ul><p>Children who experience side effects of penicillin are considered intolerant, but not allergic. Patients who are intolerant can safely take the medication again without fear of an allergic reaction.</p><h2>When to seek medical help </h2><p>After taking ampicillin or amoxicillin, make an appointment with your regular doctor if your child:</p><ul><li>develops a skin rash (immediate or delayed). They may be referred to an allergist.</li><li>develops symptoms of intolerance (see above)</li><li>does not improve or develops symptoms such as persistent fever, diarrhea, red eyes or irritability</li></ul><p>In cases of serious reactions:</p><ul><li>If your child has hives and other symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.</li><li>If your child has a rash and symptoms of a severe skin reaction, seek medical attention right away.</li></ul><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Symptoms of anaphylaxis</th><th>Symptoms of severe delayed reaction</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>increasing hives</li><li>face or mouth swelling</li><li>difficulty breathing</li><li>wheezing</li><li>vomiting or collapse<br></li></ul> <br> </td><td><ul><li>significant fever (>38ºC or 100.4ºF) *<br></li><li>rash involvement of mucous membranes (mouth, nostrils, eyelids, genital surfaces)</li><li>skin tenderness or pain</li><li>blistering</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>*Fever that begins after the infection has begun to improve and occurs with the new skin findings</p>
Eruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline : prendre soin de l'éruption cutanée de votre enfantEEruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline : prendre soin de l'éruption cutanée de votre enfantAmpicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashFrenchDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)Rash2020-01-17T05:00:00Z8.0000000000000062.0000000000000501.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Un aperçu de l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline, y compris les symptômes, les causes et les options de traitement.</p><h2>Qu’est-ce que l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline?</h2><p>L’ampicilline et l’<a href="/article?contentid=73&language=french">amoxicilline</a> sont des antibiotiques de la famille des pénicillines. L’ampicilline est administrée par voie intraveineuse, et l’amoxicilline par voie orale. Ces médicaments traitent différents types d’infections bactériennes et sont couramment utilisés chez les enfants.</p><p>Certains enfants manifestent une irritation cutanée lorsqu’ils prennent l’un de ces médicaments. C’est ce que l’on appelle l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline. Ces éruptions sont généralement divisées en deux groupes :</p><ol><li><strong>Réactions immédiates</strong> : elles apparaissent généralement dans l’heure ou dans les deux heures qui suivent la prise du médicament. Lorsque votre enfant est exposé au médicament pour la première fois, cette réaction se produit dans les derniers jours du traitement, mais les réactions ultérieures apparaissent souvent après la première dose du traitement.</li><li><strong>Réactions retardées</strong> : elles surviennent généralement plusieurs heures (généralement plusieurs jours) après l’exposition au médicament et peuvent apparaître quelques jours après la fin du traitement. Ces réactions sont plus courantes que les réactions immédiates. Elles sont moins prévisibles et moins susceptibles d’apparaître à nouveau en cas d’exposition répétée au médicament.</li></ol><h2>À retenir</h2><ul><li>Les éruptions cutanées dues à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline sont des changements cutanés qui peuvent survenir en réaction à ces médicaments.</li><li>Les réactions peuvent être immédiates (dans l’heure ou les deux heures qui suivent) ou retardées (après plusieurs heures ou plusieurs jours).</li><li>Consultez immédiatement le médecin de votre enfant s’il manifeste une réaction allergique plus grave (par exemple, si votre enfant ne semble pas bien, a une forte fièvre, se couvre de cloques, a des difficultés à respirer).</li><li>Les éruptions maculopapuleuses sont fréquentes et ne signifient pas nécessairement que votre enfant est allergique au médicament.</li><li>Il faut envoyer les patients qui ont de l’urticaire faire des tests d’allergie.</li></ul><h2>Signes et symptômes de l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline</h2> <figure> <span class="asset-image-title">Urtic​aire</span> <img alt="Urticaire sur le torse" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hives_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpg" /> </figure> <p>Les réactions aux médicaments présentent des caractéristiques particulières qui sont généralement évidentes selon les antécédents d’éruption cutanée et d’autres symptômes associés :</p><h3>Urticaire</h3><p>Il s’agit d’une éruption de papules rosées ou blanchâtres accompagnées de démangeaisons. Elle peut survenir en cas de réactions immédiates OU retardées (éruptions urticariennes retardées). Les papules individuelles disparaissent généralement dans les 24 heures, mais de nouvelles papules peuvent continuer à apparaître.</p><h3>Éruption maculopapuleuse (également appelée morbilliforme)</h3><p>Il s’agit d’une éruption cutanée de petites lésions rosées rondes et plates et de petites papules rosées. Elle couvre généralement la majeure partie de la poitrine, du ventre, du dos, des bras et des jambes, et peut toucher le visage. Elle peut s’accompagner de démangeaisons et se produit souvent dans le cadre d’une réaction retardée quelques jours après avoir commencé la prise du médicament.</p><p>L’éruption a tendance à se propager à d’autres parties du corps pendant plusieurs jours. Il s’agit de l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline la plus fréquente, qui touche de 5 % à 10 % des enfants, surtout ceux qui ont également une infection virale.</p><h2>Causes de l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline</h2><p>Il existe plusieurs explications pour les éruptions cutanées immédiates et retardées qui apparaissent lors de la prise d’ampicilline ou d’amoxicilline. Si les deux types de réactions sont dus aux médicaments, elles sont causées par des voies différentes dans le système immunitaire, qui présentent les différences importantes suivantes :</p><ol><li> <strong>Réactions immédiates</strong> : parfois appelées « allergie réelle ». Elles découlent de l’activation de protéines (anticorps IgE) que l’organisme produit contre le médicament et peuvent entraîner de graves <a href="/article?contentid=804&language=french">réactions anaphylactiques</a>. Ces réactions sont plus susceptibles de se produire lorsque l’ampicilline est administrée par voie intraveineuse (IV).</li><li> <strong>Réactions retardées</strong> : souvent appelées « réactions d’hypersensibilité retardées ». Elles découlent de l’activation de cellules immunitaires (cellules T) qui ne sont pas impliquées dans la voie de l’anaphylaxie. Si un enfant qui prend le médicament a une infection virale, cela peut modifier la réponse immunitaire aux antibiotiques et rendre ce type de réaction plus probable, bien que les médecins ne comprennent pas tout à fait pourquoi.</li></ol><h2>Facteurs de risque de l’apparition de l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline</h2><p>Facteurs de risque liés au médicament :</p><ul><li>le mode d’administration du médicament (l’ampicilline administrée par voie intraveineuse présente un risque plus élevé que l’amoxicilline administrée par voie orale);</li><li>la durée de traitement plus longue;</li><li>l’exposition répétée au médicament;</li><li>le fait d’avoir une infection virale pendant la prise du médicament (par exemple, environ 90 % des patients atteints de <a href="/article?contentid=901&language=french">mononucléose</a> manifestent une éruption cutanée après avoir commencé à prendre de l’ampicilline ou de l’amoxicilline).</li></ul><p>Facteurs de risque liés au patient :</p><ul><li>les femmes sont plus susceptibles que les hommes de manifester une éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline;</li><li>les enfants plus âgés peuvent être plus susceptibles de manifester une éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline. Cela peut s’expliquer par l’exposition accrue dans les groupes d’âge plus élevés.</li></ul><h2>Traitement d’une éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline</h2><p>Les deux types d’éruptions disparaissent généralement lorsque votre enfant cesse de prendre le médicament. L’urticaire disparaît généralement en quelques heures. Une éruption maculopapuleuse peut prendre une à deux semaines pour disparaître et peut s’aggraver pendant quelques jours une fois le médicament arrêté.</p><p>Les recommandations générales de traitement sont les suivantes :</p><ul><li>cesser de prendre le médicament;</li><li>administrer des antihistaminiques oraux (par exemple, la cétirizine) contre les démangeaisons;</li><li>utiliser des stéroïdes topiques (par exemple, une crème à l’hydrocortisone) pour aider à soulager les démangeaisons et les rougeurs;</li><li>prendre des photos de l’éruption pour les montrer à votre fournisseur de soins de santé;</li><li>parler à votre médecin de la poursuite ou de la modification du traitement pharmacologique.</li></ul><h2>Complications de l’éruption cutanée due à l’ampicilline ou à l’amoxicilline</h2><h3>Anaphylaxie</h3><p>L’urticaire qui apparaît sous forme de réaction immédiate peut faire partie d’un type de réaction allergique plus grave appelé anaphylaxie.. Cependant, l’urticaire peut également se manifester sous forme de réaction retardée (urticaire retardée), et il est souvent difficile pour les patients et les soignants de déterminer s’il s’agit d’une réaction immédiate grave ou d’une réaction retardée. Consultez immédiatement un médecin si votre enfant est atteint d’urticaire et présente l’un des symptômes suivants :</p><ul><li>difficulté à respirer;</li><li>sifflement;</li><li>nausées;</li><li>enflure du visage ou des lèvres;</li><li><a href="/article?contentid=746&language=french">vomissements</a> ou effondrement.</li></ul><h3>Réactions cutanées graves</h3><p>Certaines formes graves de réactions retardées peuvent commencer par une éruption maculopapuleuse, puis évoluer vers des signes et symptômes plus graves. Consultez un médecin si votre enfant présente l’un des signes ou symptômes suivants :</p><ul><li><a href="/article?contentid=30&language=french">fièvre</a> élevée (>38 °C ou 100,4 °F)*;</li><li>atteinte des muqueuses (bouche, narines, paupières, zone génitale);</li><li>sensibilité ou douleur de la peau;</li><li>cloques (bulles dans la peau remplies de liquide).</li></ul><p>* Bien que la fièvre puisse être associée à une infection sous-jacente, dans ce cas, une fièvre inquiétante est une fièvre qui se manifeste après que l’infection a commencé à faiblir et qui survient en même temps que la nouvelle réaction cutanée.</p><h3>Intolérance</h3><p>En plus de l’éruption cutanée, certains enfants peuvent ressentir d’autres effets secondaires lorsqu’ils prennent de l’ampicilline ou de l’amoxicilline. Ces effets secondaires peuvent inclure :</p><ul><li>les maux de ventre ou les douleurs;</li><li>les brûlures d’estomac;</li><li>les nausées;</li><li>les vomissements;</li><li>la <a href="/article?contentid=7&language=french">diarrhée</a>.</li></ul><p>Les enfants qui ressentent les effets secondaires de la pénicilline sont considérés comme étant intolérants, mais pas allergiques. Les patients intolérants peuvent reprendre le médicament en toute sécurité sans craindre de réaction allergique.</p><h2>Quand faire appel à l’aide d’un médecin</h2><p>Après la prise d’ampicilline ou d’amoxicilline, prenez rendez-vous avec votre médecin traitant si votre enfant :</p><ul><li>manifeste une éruption cutanée (immédiate ou retardée). Il peut être adressé à un allergologue;</li><li>manifeste des symptômes d’intolérance (voir ci-dessus);</li><li>ne va pas mieux ou manifeste des symptômes tels qu’une fièvre persistante, de la diarrhée, une rougeur des yeux ou une irritabilité.</li></ul><p>En cas de réactions graves :</p><ul><li>si votre enfant présente de l’urticaire et d’autres symptômes d’anaphylaxie, appelez le 911 ou rendez-vous au service d’urgence le plus proche;</li><li>si votre enfant présente une éruption cutanée et des symptômes de réaction cutanée grave, consultez immédiatement un médecin.</li></ul><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Symptômes d’anaphylaxie</th><th>Symptômes d’une réaction retardée grave</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>urticaire qui empire</li><li>enflure du visage ou de la bouche</li><li>difficulté à respirer</li><li>sifflement</li><li>vomissements ou effondrement</li></ul> <br> </td><td><ul><li>fièvre élevée (>38 ºC ou 100,4 ºF)*</li><li>atteinte des muqueuses (bouche, narines, paupières, zone génitale)</li><li>sensibilité ou douleur de la peau</li><li>boursouflure</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>* Fièvre qui apparaît après que l’infection a commencé à faiblir et qui survient en même temps que les nouvelles constatations cutanées. </p>

 

 

Ampicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rash791.000000000000Ampicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashAmpicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashAEnglishDermatologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)SkinSkinConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)Rash2020-01-17T05:00:00Z11.300000000000043.60000000000001598.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>An overview of ampicillin or amoxicillin rash including the symptoms, causes and treatment options.</p><h2>What is an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash? </h2><p>Ampicillin and <a href="/article?contentid=73&language=english">amoxicillin</a> are penicillin-type antibiotics. Ampicillin is given intravenously, and amoxicillin is given by mouth. They treat different types of bacterial infections and are commonly used in children.</p><p>Some children develop a skin irritation while taking one of these medicines. These are ampicillin or amoxicillin rashes. They are generally divided into two groups:<br></p><ol><li> <strong>Immediate reactions</strong>: usually begin within one to two hours of taking the medication. When your child is first exposed to the medication, this may occur in the last days of treatment, but subsequent reactions will often occur after the first dose in a course.</li><li> <strong>Delayed reactions</strong>: usually occur several hours (typically days) after exposure to the medication, and may begin days after treatment is completed. These are more common than immediate reactions. They are less predictable and less likely to develop again with repeat exposure to the medication.</li></ol><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Ampicillin or amoxicillin rashes are skin changes that can develop while as a reaction to these medicines.</li><li>The reactions can be immediate (within one to two hours) or delayed (after hours or days).</li><li>See your child's doctor right away if they develop a more serious allergic reaction (for example, if your child looks unwell, has a high fever, develops blistering, difficulty breathing).<br></li><li>Maculopapular rashes are common and don't necessarily mean your child is allergic to the medication.<br></li><li>Patients who develop hives should be referred for allergy testing.</li></ul> <br> <br><h2>Signs and symptoms of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Drug reactions have specific features that are usually clear by history of rash and other associated symptoms:<br></p> <figure> <span class="asset-image-title">Hives</span><img alt="Hives on torso" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hives_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpg" /></figure> <h3>Hives (also called Urticaria)</h3><p>These are raised, itchy, red or white swellings. They may occur in immediate OR delayed reactions (delayed urticarial eruptions). Individual spots usually go away within 24 hours, but new ones can continue to appear.</p><h3>Maculopapular rash (also called Morbilliform)</h3><p>This is a rash on the skin made up of small, flat red circles and little red bumps. It usually involves most of the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs, and may involve the face. It may be itchy and often occurs as part of a delayed reaction days after starting the medicine.</p><p>The rash tends to spread to other areas over several days. This is the most common ampicillin or amoxicillin rash, occurring in 5%–10% of children, particularly when they also have a viral infection.</p><h2>Causes of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash </h2><p>There are different explanations for the immediate and delayed skin rashes that develop when taking ampicillin or amoxicillin. While both types of reactions are due to the medications, they are caused by different pathways within the immune system with important differences: </p><ol><li> <strong>Immediate reactions</strong>: sometimes referred to as 'true allergy'. They result from activation of proteins (IgE antibodies) that the body makes against the medication and can lead to serious <a href="/article?contentid=781&language=english">anaphylactic reactions</a>. These reactions are more likely to occur when receiving intravenous (IV) ampicillin.</li><li> <strong>Delayed reactions</strong>: often referred to as 'delayed hypersensitivity' reactions. This results from the activation of immune cells (T-cells) not involved in the anaphylaxis pathway. If a child has a viral infection when they take the medication, this can change the immune response to antibiotics and make this type of reaction more likely, though doctors do not fully understand why.</li></ol><h2>Risk factors for developing an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Risk factors related to the medication:</p><ul><li>how the medication is given (intravenous (IV) ampicillin has a higher degree of risk than oral amoxicillin)</li><li>longer length of treatment</li><li>repeated exposure to the medication</li><li>having a viral infection while taking the medication (for example, ~90% of patients with <a href="/article?contentid=901&language=english">mononucleosis (mono)</a> develop a rash after starting ampicillin or amoxicillin)</li></ul><p>Risk factors related to the patient:</p><ul><li>Females are more likely than males to suffer a rash from ampicillin. </li><li>Older children may be more likely to develop an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash. This may be due to increased exposure in older age groups.</li></ul><h2>Treatment of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Both types of rash usually go away once your child stops taking the medicine. Hives usually disappear within hours. A maculopapular rash may take one to two weeks to go away and may get worse for a few days once the drug is stopped.</p><p>General treatment recommendations include:</p><ul><li>stopping the medication<br></li><li>giving oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine) for itch</li><li>using topical steroids (e.g., Hydrocortisone cream) to help with itch and redness</li><li>taking pictures of the rash to show your health-care provider</li><li>talking to your doctor about continuing or changing the medication</li></ul><h2>Complications of an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><h3>Anaphylaxis</h3><p>Hives that occur as an immediate reaction may be part of a more serious type of allergic reaction called <a href="/article?contentid=781&language=english">anaphylaxis</a>. However, hives can also occur in delayed reactions (delayed urticaria), and it can often be difficult for patients and caregivers to determine whether it is an immediate, serious reaction or a delayed reaction. Seek medical attention immediately if your child has hives with any of the following symptoms:</p><ul><li>difficulty breathing</li><li>wheezing</li><li>face or lip swelling</li><li> <a href="/article?contentid=746&language=english">vomiting</a> or collapse</li></ul><h3>Severe skin reactions</h3><p>Some serious forms of delayed reactions can begin with a maculopapular rash and then progress to more severe signs and symptoms. Seek medical attention if your child develops any of the following:</p><ul><li>significant <a href="/article?contentid=30&language=english">fever</a> (>38°C or 100.4°F) *</li><li>involvement of mucous membranes (mouth, nostrils, eyelids, genital area)</li><li>skin tenderness or pain</li><li>blistering (bubbles in the skin filled with liquid)</li></ul><p>*Although fever may be present with an underlying infection, a worrisome fever in this case is one that begins after the infection has begun to improve and happens at the same time as the new skin reaction.</p><h3>Intolerance</h3><p>In addition to the rash, some children may suffer from other side effects while on ampicillin or amoxicillin. These side effects may include:</p><ul><li>belly aches or pain</li><li>heartburn</li><li>nausea</li><li>vomiting</li><li> <a href="/article?contentid=7&language=english">diarrhea</a></li></ul><p>Children who experience side effects of penicillin are considered intolerant, but not allergic. Patients who are intolerant can safely take the medication again without fear of an allergic reaction.</p><h2>Prevention after an ampicillin or amoxicillin rash</h2><p>Tell your child's doctor if they have ever had allergic reactions to or rashes from any medicines. Describe in detail how it affected your child. For example, did your child develop:</p><ul><li>hives or a maculopapular rash<br></li><li>itchiness</li><li>breathing difficulty</li><li>facial swelling</li></ul><p>Ampicillin and amoxicillin skin rashes are diagnosed based on history and a physical exam. However, the longer it has been since a child has had a reaction, the more difficult it is for the patient or caregiver to remember the details. Providing pictures of the rash can be very helpful.</p><h3>Simple maculopapular rash</h3><p>If your doctor believes the reaction was a delayed-onset maculopapular rash with no signs of immediate allergy or anaphylaxis or severe skin findings, then it is reasonable to consider treatment with the same or other penicillin-type medication in the future. These reactions are not life threatening, do not indicate a true allergy, and do not indicate the medication should not be used again in the future. Many of these reactions are because of a medication–virus interaction at the time of exposure and do not develop again. When re-exposing the child, the first dose is often given in a medical setting so that your child can be monitored. </p><h3>Referral to an allergist</h3><p>If your child’s past reaction involved hives or any symptoms of anaphylaxis, they should be referred to an allergy specialist for evaluation before using penicillin-like drugs in the future. If there is any doubt about the nature of the previous reaction, your health-care provider can also refer to an allergy specialist to exclude immediate allergy.</p><p>Evaluation by an allergist is important for many reasons: </p><ul><li>There are significant health and financial costs to an inaccurate allergy.</li><li>Penicillin-type antibiotics are some of the best treatments for several common childhood infections. A child who has been labeled as allergic to amoxicillin, but does not have a true immediate allergy, will not be prescribed first line medicines that they would be able to have.</li><li>More than 90% of children labeled as allergic to amoxicillin based on a history of rash are not found to be allergic when tested.</li><li>Penicillin allergies often resolve over time. Re-evaluation is suggested even in those with confirmed penicillin allergy, especially if the reaction was more than five to 10 years ago. </li></ul><h3>Other antibiotics</h3><p>If your child is waiting for allergy testing or if they have a confirmed ampicillin/amoxicillin allergy, ask your doctor about what other antibiotics are safe to use. </p><h2>When to seek medical help </h2><p>After taking ampicillin or amoxicillin, make an appointment with your regular doctor if your child:</p><ul><li>develops a skin rash (immediate or delayed). They may be referred to an allergist.</li><li>develops symptoms of intolerance (see above)</li><li>does not improve or develops symptoms such as persistent fever, diarrhea, red eyes or irritability</li></ul><p>In cases of serious reactions:</p><ul><li>If your child has hives and other symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.</li><li>If your child has a rash and symptoms of a severe skin reaction, seek medical attention right away.</li></ul><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Symptoms of anaphylaxis</th><th>Symptoms of severe delayed reaction</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><ul><li>increasing hives</li><li>face or mouth swelling</li><li>difficulty breathing</li><li>wheezing</li><li>vomiting or collapse<br></li></ul> <br> </td><td><ul><li>significant fever (>38ºC or 100.4ºF) *<br></li><li>rash involvement of mucous membranes (mouth, nostrils, eyelids, genital surfaces)</li><li>skin tenderness or pain</li><li>blistering</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>*Fever that begins after the infection has begun to improve and occurs with the new skin findings</p>penicillinrashhttps://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Hives_2_MEDIMG_PHO_EN.jpgAmpicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child's rashFalse

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