Can Your Amoxicillin Tablets Cause You Rashes?

With the rise of different viral diseases, flu and fever, one over the counter medicine that is prescribed is amoxicillin. What does it do?

It is a widely prescribed antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections in children and adults. It is part of the penicillin class of medications and it inhibits the growth of bacteria and allows the immune system to efficiently eliminate the infection. It is commonly used to treat bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin.

However, about 5 to 10 per cent of children who are prescribed this may also develop skin rash.

Are There Any Differences In Amoxicillin Rash?

Amoxicillin rash can develop in two forms: allergic and non-allergic. A rash from amoxicillin can last up to a week.

The different forms of Amoxicillin rashes:

A Maculopapular rash is a flat rash that occurs like red patches, raised bumps and spreads over the body.

Gives are itchy, raised red or skin-coloured welts that can change shape and location.

Erythema Multiforme are more severe, featuring target-like lesions or bull's-eye shapes with central red spot, pale ring, and red outer ring.

Anaphylactic Reaction is a rare but severe allergic reaction that includes symptoms like difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, hives and rapid drop in blood pressure.

Non-Allergic Amoxicillin Rash are flat, red spots that may be slightly raised, but not harmful. These usually appear o the 5th to 7th day after the start of amoxicillin and can appear on the chest, abdomen, back, face, arms, and legs. It may get worse before it starts to get better.

Warning Signs

Warning signs include rashes within two hours of the first amoxicillin dose, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or very itchy hives.

What Causes This Rash?

The allergic reaction is caused by one's immune system reacting to that medication as if it were a foreign invader in the body.

Treatment

Among treatment, the first step should be to see your physician and immediately stop taking the medication. Drinking water and enough fluids can also help. Your doctor too would prescribe you medications and lotions to soothe your itching.