Treatment

If you're having an allergic reaction after taking penicillin or another drug in the penicillin family, your doctor will have you stop taking the medication. In most cases, penicillin allergy treatment consists of avoiding penicillin and using another antibiotic instead.

Treatment for signs and symptoms depends on what kind of reaction you have.

• Anaphylaxis is the most rare and serious possible allergic drug reaction. It can be life-threatening and requires an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) and emergency care to maintain blood pressure and support breathing.
• Rashes or hives may improve when treated with an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others). More severe reactions may require treatment with oral or injected corticosteroids.