Allergic Reaction to Antibiotic

Updated on September 10, 2008
M.W. asks from Jasper, IN
23 answers

I am in dire need of some advice. My son has an ear infection and was put on antibiotics for it - a new one he had never taken before (he's one year old). After his second dose, he broke out all over his body with spots and welts. I took him to ER because his forehead was swollen and so were his hands and feet (his fingernails and toes were bluish). He was diagnosed with hives. I have never seen hives before this. Do they welt up in big patches (ex. both of his elbows are covered with patches as big as your fist). Do the hives get hot? He is running a fever now. All they did for him was tell me to give him Benadryl and Tylenol. Thankfully, he has not been scratching at them. Is there anything I can do to take the heat out of the patches? I gave him a cool bath last night, and his toes, fingers and lips turned blue - something that has never happened before this episode. When he woke up this morning, he was burning up. The patches are so red, some of them look briused in the centers... is that normal? The hives are still appearing, and it has been over 26 hours since his last dose of the medicine he had the reaction to. When will the hives stop coming, and how long does it take to go away? I am sorry, but I am pretty freaked out by all this and I need any information I can get on the subject. I am going to call his pediatrician today (he was out of the office yesterday - that is why we went to ER) and hopefully he can work him in the schedule this morning... but they don't open for two hours... and who knows what time the appt will be. Can anyone give me any advice or confirm whether these symptoms are normal? Thanks.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'd stop the antibiotics and just use garlic oil in the infected ear. You can get it at places like Whole Foods. You need garlic oil, not garlic flavored oil.

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J.

answers from Cleveland on

Sometimes antibotic stay in the body for a week or more .So it is posable that he can still have hives .I would follow up with his doctor

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K.R.

answers from Dayton on

Don't waste time on Mamasource (no offense) Call the ER doc if your pediatrician isn't in. Some drug reactions can be fatal or at least put someone in the hospital. Call the pro's!

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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NATURAL HEALING & HEALTH by Weber

and NATUALLY HEALTHY BABIES & CHILDREN by Romm

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C.B.

answers from Lafayette on

i would take him back to the ER, if his fever gets over 105 it can literally cook his brain & cause brain damage & yes babies can die just from a fever. not trying to scare you, but an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. if you take him back to the ER, take the meds that he had a reaction to with you. God be with you.

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O.T.

answers from Youngstown on

Or get How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor by Mendelsohn.

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K.M.

answers from Bloomington on

My daughter went through the same thing at a year. At first the diagnosis was hives but it ended up being something else, but still an allergic reaction. The kept saying the fever had nothing to do with the spots. But after a week a different doctor at the practice gave her prednisone and it made all the difference the fever was gone in hours not to return and the spots were gone about a week later.

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D.Q.

answers from Dayton on

The same thing happened to my friend's daughter. She ended up in the hospital. I would call your doctor and get in as soon as possible.

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J.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

My daughter got hives once from omoxicillin. All the doctor did was call in a different prescription and I gave her benadryl just like you said. Hers weren't as bad as your son's sound, but I would just wait until you talk with his doctor and see what she says. There's also the option of a shot of an antihistamine to get it under control quickly

K.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi M.,
I got this excerpt from web MD I hope it helps and good luck

Skin Conditions: Hives (Urticaria and Angioedema)
Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of the body's adverse reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons.

Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques. They can last for hours, or up to one day before fading.

Angioedema is similar to urticaria, but the swelling occurs beneath the skin instead of on the surface. Angioedema is characterized by deep swelling around the eyes and lips and sometimes of the genitals, hands, and feet. It generally lasts longer than urticaria, but the swelling usually goes away in less than 24 hours.

Rarely, angioedema of the throat, tongue, or lungs can block the airways, causing difficulty breathing. This may become life threatening.

What Causes Hives and Angioedema?
Hives and angioedema form when, in response to histamine, blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin. Histamine is a chemical released from specialized cells along the skin's blood vessels.

Allergic reactions, chemicals in foods, insect stings, sunlight exposure, or medicines can all cause histamine release. Sometimes it's impossible to find out exactly why hives have formed.

There are several different types of hives, including:

Acute urticaria: Hives lasting less than six weeks. The most common causes are foods, medicines, or infections. Insect bites and internal disease may also be responsible.

The most common foods that cause hives are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Fresh foods cause hives more often than cooked foods. Certain food additives and preservatives may also be to blame.

Medicines that can cause hives and angioedema include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorymedications such as ibuprofen, high blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors), or painkillers such as codeine.

Chronic urticaria and angioedema: Hives lasting more than six weeks. The cause of this type of hives is usually more difficult to identify than those causing acute urticaria. For more than 87% of people with chronic urticaria, the cause is unknown.

Chronic urticaria and angioedema can affect other internal organs such as the lungs, muscles and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include muscle soreness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Physical urticaria: Hives caused by direct physical stimulation of the skin -- for example, cold, heat, sun exposure, vibration, pressure, sweating, and exercise. The hives usually occur right where the skin was stimulated and rarely appear elsewhere. Most of the hives appear within one hour after exposure.

Dermatographism: Hives that form after firmly stroking or scratching the skin. These hives can also occur along with other forms of urticaria.

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F.R.

answers from Columbus on

M., I have been there. My son is allergic to Sulfa, augmentin, and omnicef. We had a big scare with the omnicef like you are having now...He was 3 and the time. I found that baths helped but I gave him pedialite pops to cool him from the inside. Hive can be a scary thing. Claritan works best for us. They have a liquid brand and it doesn't cause drowsiness. But check with you doctor for sure. Hope he comes out of it soon. Prayers are with you!

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C.D.

answers from Canton on

M.,

I'm sure by now you have been to your doctor and hopefully are on the right track for your little guy.I hope he's feeling better.

I give a huge thumbs up for the garlic oil. Our little one ( who is now 3) has never had an antibiotic or an ear infection; however, when she seemed to be coming down with anyone that no doubt a physician would have insisted on antibiotics, we have just ground into a fine powder Shaklee's Garlic Complex, put it into her socks and repeated this over several days. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and is a must in our Natural Medicine Cabinet.

Also as a heads up, this could have had some serious consequences - I suggest that when your gut says someone's in trouble, get to the Dr. immediately. (Too bad the emergency room wasn't much help.) Also a fever and cool baths can result in seizures and shock. I know the fever is scary, but unless the fever is 105 or over, you need to give plenty of liquids to balance the electrolytes. We don't ever use Tylenol, etc. to lower the fever because it could mask a more serious problem. The body is so neat in how it uses the temperature to get rid of the 'bug' that's attacking the body.

Our way of doing things may not be for everyone, but it's worked great for our little girl.

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D.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi, M., Just read this on Sat morning, I hope the baby got some relief. Please let us know what happened. It seems like the ER people weren't that concerned. From your descriptions it sounds pretty serious. I would have been freaked too. Turning blue is a sign that not enough oxygen is getting to him......

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J.W.

answers from Columbus on

Calling your doctor is the best thing. I may be late on the inquiry; however, I can provide insight on the situtation. My child has food allergies (milk and eggs, which is in some medications too) so I have been in your shoes. My child's hives can last up to 72 hours. As a toddler, she's had tummy cramps, runny bowel movements, and fatigue for up to 4 days after a reaction. I could also expect a cranking, irritable child like one sick with the flu.

I have found a few alernative or home remedies to help with the hives and swelling. The most helpful thing I found is mixing baking soda and water to form a paste. I placed the paste on the hives or I've used Watkins petro-carbo salve. It helps relief the redness, pain, and inching. Temped baths without bubbles or bath soap. I used a mild soap like Ivory. I have also found lightly rubbing or massaging around the area (not on the hives) can help relieve some pain or help the child get comfortable. Ice, cold packs on the sites for short amounts of time as well. My experience was do anything you can to get the child to relax, rest, and sleep. You are in our thoughts.

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N.S.

answers from Columbus on

He needs to see a pediatrician and since you said that you will take him today, that is good. Make sure when you call for the appointment that you tell them you need a sick appointment for today (better yet this morning) - at least that is how I always get a same day appointment when I need to. I am allergic to some medication and the last time I had to go to the ER b/c I broke out in hives all over my body was a while back. My hands, feet and face/neck were also swollen. I do remember that they gave me benadryl. The ER observed me until my hives got better before allowing me to go home. I think I was in the ER for 4 hours. If you can't wait to see your pediatrician, try calling the ER and talk to a nurse. See if the symptons your son is still experiencing is normal. They may tell you to come back to the hospital instead of seeing your pediatrician.

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A.S.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi M.,

I would call the doctors office because normally they have a nurse or doctor on call. And I would also go back to the er. I have had hives before from allergies and my lips were never blue. My face did swell so much that I didn't even look normal but given his age I would be more persistant with speaking to a pediatrician. This doesn't sound normal to me or just like hives.

Allie

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

The hives can take up to several days to disappear. It is normal for them to look bruised in the center. My son had them when he had a reaction to an antibiotic as well. As far as the bluish color going on I don't think that has anything to do with the hives. My sons nails and toes never turned bluish with hives. A fever is also normal. Do take him to the doctor though. They will have to give him a different antibiotic for his infection.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4.

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

It sounds like a pretty severe allergic reaction. I would for sure get in into his pediatrician today. I know the antibiotic can be in his system for at least a week. It may take a few months for the hives to go completely away. Just keep giving him Benadryl every 4 hours. If you give him a bath, make it lukewarm and make sure the bathroom is warm. If you have a/c on, turn off the vent in the bathroom. If he's running a high fever, he could be getting chills from that. Your doctor should prescribe a different antibiotic for his ear infection. I can't believe they wouldn't give you a shot of antibiotic and antihistamine in the hospital. I would expect that to be the first thing they did.

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M.H.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi M.,

I feel your pain, my dd had an allergic reaction to Sulfa, she looked like the polka-dotted elephant from misfit toys! Her hives lasted well over a week. Her doc changed her antibiotic and had her on benadryl and tylenol also (I have pics if you want to see them). I know it looks bad, but as long as your little one isn't itching, that's good.

My dd also developed hives from a virus she caught (we still don't know what it was), but that allergic reaction caused her to turn blue, especially when we put her in water. The allergist told us it was a reaction from the histamines in her body when the water touched her skin. It was scary, and we were afraid to give her baths during this time, but he told us just to make sure she takes the zyrtec he ended up giving her (instead of the benadryl, because that made her drowsy). Hope this helps alleviate some worry, but definitely contact your ped. since every child is different.

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K.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

I understand your panic. My sister had this same reaction when she was little. It does look scary, but he will eventually be fine. It sounds like you are doing just fine...keeping him comfortable is the best thing. As it turned out, my sister was allergic to the artificial coloring in the medicine she was taking. Just be sure you tell the dr. next time what medication he's allergic to. The good thing is that there are tons of different antibiotics, so you should be able to find something that he can take.

These do sound like typical allergic reactions. Hives often accompany an allergic reaction and really aren't too serious even though they do make the little ones uncomfortable. Hang in there, Mom! You are doing fine!

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K.G.

answers from Columbus on

My son and I both have experienced the hives related to amoxycillin (although nothing turned blue). It can take a couple of days, or more, for them to go away. Now that he has had an allergic reaction to this medication he probably won't be able to take any of the "-cillin" antibiotics. The fever could be related to the ear infection and your doctor will probably prescribe a different antibiotic.

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T.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

About the cyanosis(blue lips, ect.) I would say that is the result of the cool bath. If he was already running a fever and his body overheated from the hives. Especially when the hives are giving off heat. The body probably was just in a little state of shock with the difference of temperatures. A warm or luke warm bath would be a better option. You can also try aveeno oatmeal baths to alleviate any pain and dryness. Aveeno also has a creamy baby wash. That works wonders for my son. My son has a disease that causes chronic hives, so he ALWAYS has them. Well, I hope he is doing better by now. And remember with any swelling that is an emergency, you should call the ambulance in the future and not drive. You should also ask the dr for an epi-pen, just in case anything like this happens in the future with another med or food. If his throat or tongue would've started swelling, he may not have made that drive. An ambulance would have the proper meds(epinephrine) on hand and could save his life. Congrats on being a first time mom and good luck with everything. :)

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P.G.

answers from Canton on

My youngest son broke out with hives all over his body last winter and the symptoms were similar to the ones your son has. I had never seen hives before like the ones he had, so of course I was freaked out. I took him to the ER and the doctor was so awesome. We just couldn't figure out what could've caused these hives, which worried me even more. If he got hot, he broke out. Once he cooled down, though, the hives disappeared. I finally figured out that warm bath water caused these hives to appear. Here's a remedy you can try that my mother swears by~put oatmeal in a sock and wash him all over his body. There's something about oatmeal that stops the itching. This is also good if your children get chicken pox. Let me know what you find out at the doctor and how your son is doing. Hate when the little ones get sick. Hope I was of some help.

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