Penicillin Allergy?

[Islay]

I was prescribed penicillin this afternoon for an infected insect bite. But within minutes of taking it I was wheezing, itching and vomiting, feeling very hot and passed out.
Because I pass out a lot hubby did not call the ambulance. Obviously I need to let my dr know but does that sound like a penicillin allergy?

[237SJ]

Sounds like it. The itching and wheezing are significant.

[Islay]

Feel so drained!!

[Mamyalynne]

Can you get any medical advice tonight?

The infection will make you feel unwell too of course.

[Islay]

Am going to bed in a mo this happened at 530 breathing is normal again, nausea and dizziness has stopped. Just so damned tired

[Mamyalynne]

Good thinking, get some rest.

[Cloverjo]

I'm supposedly allergic to penicillin, but my symptom was a nettle rash. I was 2 at the time, and since then there's been a warning on my medical notes to prescribe a different antibiotic. Mention it to your doctor next time.

[237SJ]

Keep some antihistamines with you (I never go away without Migraleve - just in case) and speak to your doctor about the wheezing/rash

[mazie]

You need to see the doctor tomorrow Islay. You need a different antibiotic for that insect bite. They can turn really nasty if not treated. Sleep well and let us know how you get on tomorrow.

[woofgang]

I am allergic to penecillin too. I was warned when I had the first reaction, in my teens, NOT to try taking it again, even though the reaction I had wasn’t life threatening because there is a good chance that the second reaction will be worse than the first.

[Sqad]

Certainly sounds like a hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin which you seem to have dealt with adequately. This doesn't mean that you will react to other penicillins in a similar manner, but doe let your GP know.
"Keep some antihistamines with you (I never go away without Migraleve - just in case) "
The above comment is rather confusing as Migraleve has nothing to do with allergy nor is it an antihistamine.

[Islay]

Thanks Sqad I was hoping you would see this.
do they do a test or something to carry out a confirmation of said allergy?
Is it possible that my stomach now being the size of a tube had anything to do with it?
As for swallowing more tablets there is not a chance in hell I could have done that last night as when not passed out I was struggling to stay away and with the wheezing it would have been difficult.

[Sqad]

Good morning Islay.........you sound on form this morning;-)
Yes, one can have skin tests to identify hypersensitivity(allergy) to penicillin but it is not always conclusive, but worth a go........even if the tests proved negative, my opinion in you case would still indicate an exaggerated reaction to penicillin which is not uncommon (about 10-15% of the population). Anaphylaxis which is the most dangerous and potentially fatal cause of death in an allergic response, is very rare.
You make a good point about the existence of a re structured stomach, but I can't bring myself to explain a connection.
I shouldn't get to worked up about last night's incident, frightening as it must have been and just note and monitor the situation.

[Islay]

Thanks sqad will speak to my GP

[Islay]

ust a wee update sqad, given that my tongue swelled up and that I was wheezing the doctor thinks I should refered on for an Epi pen, just to be safe, as I vomited so quickly they think I mimised the symptoms and feel that it could have been a gread deal more serious had I not got rid of the offending tablet!

[albaqwerty]

What a scary thing to have experienced.
Do hope you feel better soon xx

[Islay]

Thanks alba its taking me some time to get out of the slump left behind from being so ill!!

[albaqwerty]

Things will become OK in their own sweet time, don't rush :-) xx
(frustrating I know)

[Sqad]

Thanks for the feedback.......excellent suggestion by your GP.

[Islay]

Sqad and update!
Dr has changed their mind about the need for an epi pen as the likely hood of accidently ingesting penicillin is pretty small. So she has suggested instead a medical alert bracelet.