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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you think you've had reactions to penicillin in the past, be sure to tell your doctor and other medical professionals, including your dentist. Let your doctor know about any new reactions you notice when taking your medication.

If your doctor determines that you're allergic to penicillin, it's a good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet that describes your allergy. You might also want to carry an alert card in your wallet or purse. These items are available over-the-counter at most drugstores or can be purchased on the Internet.

References
  1. Yates A. Management of patients with a history of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics. The American Journal of Medicine. 2008;121:572.
  2. Solensky R. Allergy to penicillins. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
  3. Karabus S, et al. Penicillin allergy in children. Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 2009;22:64.
  4. Solensky R. Patient information: Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2009.
  5. Inamdar R, et al. Penicillin hypersensitivity. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/members/allied_health/articlesofinterest/penicillin.stm. Accessed September 24, 2009.
  6. Pegler S, et al. In patients allergic to penicillin, consider second and third generation cephalosporins for life threatening infections. British Medical Journal. 2007;335:991.

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Dec. 18, 2009

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