Problems with amoxicillian--ALLERGY? Has Anyone Had This Problem?

Updated on December 06, 2008
J.D. asks from Fuquay Varina, NC
39 answers

We just found out my 7 month old has an ear infection and were prescribed amoxicillan for it. The ONLY reason we knew he had an ear infection was because he was pulling at his ear. He wasn't awake all night...just his normal one time a night. Last night we gave him his first dose of amoxicillan and he was up the ENTIRE night screaming in agony. We started to think about the last time he had an ear infection, and I remember wondering the same thing...could it be the amoxicillan causing him to be in pain and therefore be up all night? Does this mean he is allergic to it? Has anyone had this experience before?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank everyone for your advice! I felt so much better that everyone felt it wasn't an allergy! I wasn't sure what symptoms were for an allergy to amoxicillan. I called the doctor and got another antibiotic for him. I am convinced it was a mixture of the antibiotics upsetting his stomach, and the ear infection hurting him. Last night was a little bit better, but he was still up. Hopefully it'll go away quickly and he'll feel better soon! Thanks for all your help!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Greensboro on

I have a daughter who had an ear infection once and was prescriped amoxicillian. Found out as a result that she was allergic because she broke out in little tiny bumps. Doesn't sound like an allergic reaction maybe the medication just isn't working or their is something else wrong.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.F.

answers from Nashville on

Is there any other signs of an allergic reaction? My son had an "unknown" ear infection as well and did the same thing when given amoxicillan, but then when he had an ear infection we were aware of he did the same thing. I think it has to do with the infection itself and not the medication. With that said, however, I would call the Dr. for peace of mind though. Ear infections are very painful little buggars and without any other symptoms present I think that is the cause.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Nashville on

definately sounds like classic ear infection symptoms to me. Sometimes it just takes a few days to get to the point of a lot of pain. 3 of my kids have allergies to Pennicillin and they all got rashes. i doubt his sympomts are allergy related. good luck! i would think he would be a lot better tonight after being on the antibiotic another day, or if not tonight, the next night if the antibiotic is working.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Nashville on

I'm allergic to some antibiotics, and usually allergies cause different symptoms, but that doesn't mean it isn't upsetting his tummy. My sister almost can't take antibiotics because they upset her stomach so bad with severe cramping and nausea. She isn't allergic to them (drug allergies are much more dangerous) but she has a sensitivity. Definitely talk to your doc, maybe a different kind would be better. I hadn't heard of the probiotic thing- I would ask your doc about that too but it sounds like a great idea (I think I will pass it on to my sis.)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Charlotte on

I'm not sure if it's the meds or not, when my daughter took amoxicillan the first time she broke out in red spots from head to toe and we took her to the ER because I didn't know what was going on, they told me then that it was more then likely a reaction to the amoxicillian. I would check with your doctor. Hope the little guy is feeling better soon.

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.J.

answers from Raleigh on

hi J.. my youngest son was one when he was put on amoxicillian for the same thing. the next day when he woke up he was covered in all of these red spots. when we took him back to the doctor, he said that because amoxiicillian has penicillin in it then that is why he had a reaction. maybe your son is the same way. hope you find out, and good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Chattanooga on

It does nt sound like an allergic reaction. more like his little ears are in pain. I would get some ear drops, warm them up between your hands for a few minutes before giving them to him. I like to use Similasan, great brand, the only brand that works for my son's eye allergies, and it works great on ears as well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.W.

answers from Wheeling on

Hi J.,
I think like you. That medication could be bothering him.
That infection he has is really making him sick. Like us when we get anti meds we seen to get very erritated and grouchy. See if your Doctor can give you a milder med.
I hope I helped a little.
Have a good day TODAY
Vicki W.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Charlotte on

Sounds like he may be allergic to the amoxicillan. I would ask your dr to give him a different antibiotic.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.C.

answers from Louisville on

It might be the ear infection...still... meaning it takes at least 24 hrs for the antibiotic to kick in...
When lying down, and having a ear infection can cause pain..

Do please check with your pedi to make sure.

Allergies don't react in the way for him to be screaming all night.

Remember to do what is best for you and your family.

Hope the baby is feeling better when you read this.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.S.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi J....
I agree with Cindy B. IT may be the draining... the antibiotic will break up w/e is blocking the liquid and when laying down it causes the liquid to shift. My Oldest suffered constantly of earinfections from 3months til she was 17 month and we finally put tubes in. My 10month old is going on her 2nd *well one that hasn't gone away* we've gone through omnicef and now bactrim because the amoxilcillin didn't work for my oldest so we skipped it... they're talking tubes already which doesn't phase me because it was the best thing we could've done for my oldest... she hasn't been sick (minus the occassionaly sniffle) since she got them ... she had also be diagnosed with asthma at that time and has NEVER had an attack again either...
I hope you find a resolution soon... talk to the ped either way..
V.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Clarksville on

Hi J.

my son has alot of earinfection almost every 3 weeks it seems like yes he gets allergies does he get rashes all over his body or blister like looking rash? sometimes there belly can not handle it try a different one tell your doctor.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from Asheville on

YES!! My daughter just went through the exact same thing. We already knew that my son was allergic to penicillin, but my daughter was given amoxicillin for her ear infection and spent the first night in screaming in pain when she had been ok before. It kind of seemed like it could be stomach pain. Then she got a rash, which I knew was an allergic reaction because my son had the same allergic reaction. If your son gets a rash, you can be fairly sure of an allergy, even though the doctor may tell you its a viral rash. Don't take chances, its not that big a deal to switch to a non-cillin antibiotic.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.R.

answers from Greensboro on

My older son is allergic. It never made him seem like he was in pain...but probably the 2nd or 3rd time he had an ear infection and amox. was prescribed he broke out in huge welts and started swelling everywhere. My husband and I had to take turns sleeping so we could watch to make sure he was still breathing. Now we have to remind people that if something happens he CANNOT have amox. Have you discussed this with his doctor? That pain might be one of the early signs or it might be the medicine not agreeing with his stomach (as some antibiotics do for some people). I hope everything works out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Nashville on

It could be an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin or it could be the pain from the ear infection. Stop taking the medication until you call the pediatrician. One of my kids was allergic to pennicillin and amoxicillin is a form of pennicillin. He got a rash first, then hives, and then his throat started to swell up.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.. First I'm so sorry your poor little guy is in pain. My daughter had a lot of ear infections at that age, and both times she was prescribed amoxicillin she had terrible stomach pain, diarrhea, etc. The first time she was on it she was going so much and leaking through her clothes we had to give her several baths a day. She was only on it twice and never again!! We found that augmentin worked great for her with much less stomach discomfort and irratability. Not sure if that will work with your little guy, but definitely call the doc and let them know and they will probably let you try another prescription for the ear infection. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Memphis on

It doesn't sound like the typical allegeric reaction but you may want to call the doctor about it. Otherwise I'd just say that maybe you're catching it and getting him to the doctor before the severe pain hits and its just a coincidence that he screamed the night you started the anitbiotic. It will take the antibiotic a few days to really make a difference in the infection so it could have just reach an intolerable level for him. If he down't scream every time he takes the medicine than its not a reaction to the meds, it's a reaction to the infection or something else. You should make sure and give him the medicine when or just after he eats. They can cause stomach pains and irritate the lining of the stomach if not taken with food. My son had so many ear infections he finally got tubes. My husband is allergic to penicillin but luckily my son didn't develop this allergy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.K.

answers from Nashville on

J.,
Sometimes ear infections don't cause pain for a few days-HOWEVER I would call your pediatrician immediately to get advice! They would know better about allergy-reactions to antibiotics!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.U.

answers from Raleigh on

my first thought is that amox. may be hurting his stomach. It can cause stomach problems. Check with your ped, but I do recall that...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

I.N.

answers from Raleigh on

Doesn't sound like an allergic reaction. One of my daughters is allergic, and she swelled up and got purple spots all over her during her reaction. The spots lasted for about a week. His ear probably just hurt REALLY bad, and it was uncomfortable to lay down. There are some ear drops you can get to help with the pain, but I'm guessing that'll be a one-night thing. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.T.

answers from Greensboro on

our little boy is allergic too. he did the same thing but also had swelling of knees and elbows. they gave us something else that worked great.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Hickory on

Talk to your pediatrician or at least a nurse in his office. It's their domain to advise you on.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Knoxville on

Check with the pharmacist and/or pediatrician. I hope he gets well soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Raleigh on

I recently discovered that I am allergic to Amoxicillan. After I took it, I got a rash over my whole body and a bladder infection. I am 39, so the symptoms may be different in children. But my Dr. said I am definitely allergic now to anything in the "cillin" family, including Penicillin. So now they perscribe me Xythromyacin if needed. Maybe your son can try that?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.A.

answers from Memphis on

My son developed an allergy to Amoxicillan at 2. I would put it in a cup of pedialyte for him to drink. About 30 minutes later he would break out in a purplish rash all over his body and just look like he was miserable like when he has a cold. He would take a nap and sleep it off and it would eventually go away. We took him to an allergist but there was no test for penicillan just yet so he just assumed that it was the axocicillan since nothing else had been out of the ordinary. He had had the medicine many times before but just all of a sudden developed the allergy. You might want to ask your doctor for a substitute for the amoxicillan to see.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Lexington on

It could be because it is draining, or it could be causing him pain. I would call the doctor and/or pharmacists and ask. I have been fortunate, neither of my children had an allergies to cillians.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.B.

answers from Knoxville on

I am an RN and work for an ENT doctor, actually married to him and have had three children myself. An allergic reaction to an antibiotic include rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, etc., maybe being ill feeling overall. However the pain is probably from increasing pressure behind the eardrum with fluid or pus that builds up and can cause intense pain. It will not get any better unless the pressure decreases one way or the other--either by the infection getting better or the eardrum rupturing. If you see fluid coming out the ear, then that probably happened. Don't panic, it's not life threatening, but you do need to followup with an ENT doctor to make sure it heals. I probably would call the health care provider and let them know he is not better but worse. They may also want to change antibiotics.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi,
My 12 year old son is allergic to Amoxicillin. We found out when he was an infant. He would break out in a terrible rash and just be super cranky. This happened two different times and then we realized it was an allergy. There are lots of other things to take. We found out later that he is also allergic to Keflex. This is tricky b/c there are several antibiotics that you can be allergic to if you are allergic to Keflex. Luckily he does not get sick very often. About the only thing he can take is Zithromax--not sure if I'm spelling that right. It's more expensive but it works and he can take it. I try to stay away from any "new to the market" antibiotics for him.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Charlotte on

I haven't had experience w/ ear infections with either of my kids, but I do know that they're painful from personal experience and remembering them from my own childhood....I have anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that causes respiratory failure, to certain medications. I know that with a severe allergic reaction the symptoms can be some or all of the following, hives, swelling, severe abdominal cramping, feeling of fear/anxiety (this is usually due to the natural adreniline trying to work as an antihistimine), nausea/vomiting,and difficulty breathing occur. With mild reactions can begin with symptoms like hay fever, mild hives, vommiting, diarrhea,etc.

If it were me, I'd watch him during the next dosing period - carefully. If you see any of those mild symptoms, then call your ped. It could just be that the med is rough on his tummy in general, and they may cut down his dose to less at a time but more times a day to help with that.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Nashville on

Aww, bless his heart! I've been through a bazillion ear infections with my 2 kids and have had a total of 3 surgeries between the two of them. They are now 2 and almost 5 and it seems to finally be all over. I personally wouldn't think it was an "allergic" reaction. However, it sounds like it may be HIS reaction to the med. If this worries you, then by all means call the doctor. Amox is most certainly not the only ear infection antibiotic out there. They have Omnicef, Augmentin, the Rocefin injection, etc. Each seem to have their own side effects...whether it be irritability, reddish orange loose stools, loss of appetite, etc. I know from my experience that the dr. will usually put these antibiotics on a "rotation". Like if you get Amoxc. this time, you won't get that for the next infection. At least, that's what our doctor did. Good luck to you! I know that both my children wound up having to have their adenoids removed and my youngest is on his second set of tubes and is now 100% better!! Good luck and trust your instincts. =0)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.P.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi J.,
My son has an amoxicillian allergy and it is definitely not something you can mistake for something else. My son got a horrible rash over his entire body and looked like he had been burned. It was horrible and very scary.
I would think that it's probably the ear infection that is causing him pain. My son used to have one ear infection after another, and most of the time he would be up at night restless, feverish, and moaning. Also, make sure to give him the amox after dinner when there is some food on his tummy as to not upset his stomach too much. If he doesn't get better in the next day or two, take him back to the doctor. I hope he feels better soon. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.M.

answers from Nashville on

I have four boys and none of my older three had this problem but my last boy did. He would stay up all night screaming whenever we gave him amoxicillian. The medecine was cramping his stomach and giving him extreme pain. My pediatrian took him off of it and put him on omnicef ( most doctors don't prescribe it because it is stronger and you only have to give one dose and most insurances don't want to cover it, however because we had tried the other first and my child was allergic they had to prescribe it and only that. Ask your pediatrician to prescribe omnicef and see if that helps. I hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Knoxville on

I would definetly put a call into the doctor with your concerns. Did the crying happen the whole time he took the amoxicillin last time? Let the doctor that as well. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.M.

answers from Charlotte on

J.,
Amoxicillin allergy would be a red rash or spots on the baby's body, in addition to itching and then the extreme of difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions occur within the first 24 hours of taking an antibiotic. The painful crying is most likely because of the ear infection. Have you ever had one as an adult? The pain is sharp and made me cry when I had one as a young adult. Medicate the pain with whatever your pediatrician says is OK. Infants Tylenol is usually reccommened for baby's under 6 months and Childrens Motrin for children over 6 months read the label and dose it according to the baby's weight. Another help is heat to the infected ear with a young child a heating pad is not reccommended, but if your child will let you place your hand gently over the ear and this may help relieve some pain. Good Luck. They usually take 3 days to resolve the pain, and then finish all the antibiotics to get all of the bacteria out of the baby's body.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from Johnson City on

Hello, J..
An allergic reaction to Amoxicillin and Penicillin based drugs in both my daughter and me produced hives and itching. It can start right away or it can not show up till a day or so after the medicine is finished. Your son's reaction does not sound allergy-related. He probably needs something for pain of his little ear.
I am allergic to a few other drugs that cause respiratory depression and extreme sleepiness. But you will be able to tell if it is different than just normal drowsiness that some drugs cause.
If you are unsure, you can ask the nurse to be safe.
Hope this helps.
-D.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Huntington on

i would make a call to the ped to make sure but i wouldnt think it would cause a problem maybe the ear infection has just got to the point where it has become painful

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.M.

answers from Louisville on

it could be that the infection is at its worst give him motrin too

B.M.

answers from Charlotte on

Good morning, J.,

If i were you, I would certainly mention it to his pediatrician. If he was sleeping and dealing with minor discomfort before the medicine, the medicine is not supposed to elevate the discomfort except for the usual side effects.
Like, if he is experiencing diarrhea that would be a normal side effect but screaming in agony? NO, not acceptable.I suggest that you call his Dr. as soon as the office opens.

Good luck to both you and the little person,

B.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches