Antibiotic allergies

arschm02

William had an ear infection well probably for at least 1.5 weeks but diagnosed on Friday. He is allergic to Amoxicillan (meaning probably all 'cillan' medications) so they prescribed cefdiner (generic for omnicef) for his ear infection. Not only did not get better but was sooo clingy and sad and sleepy all weekend and slept horribly. Sure enough he wakes from nap on Monday with a rash. Figuring it could have been from his fever he had on Friday/Saturday I continued to give his antibiotic on Monday night and this morning. Such a bad choice. His rash is soooo bad and his face was ridiculously splotchy and red. He was up every hour last night crying and was so miserable today. I sent pics to the doctor and they confirmed the allergy to his antibiotic and said it probably was also ineffective to the ear infection as well. Poor baby has been dealing with this for WAY too long. So now we're on azithromycin and hoping for no adverse side effects and prompt relief for little man. 

My question, he's allergic to 2 different types of antibiotics already. So as he gets older and gets sick again he will be limited to what prescriptions he can get. Will the antibiotics he can have become less effective since he won't be able to rotate the types? Is this something I need to be worried about? Also, what on earth causes these allergies? We have no histories of any type of allergies in our family (besides pollen allergies for grandpa and aunt).

skidderdo

Those two medications are cousins. Some people cross react to both. I think it is safe to say your child is allergic to both Penicillins and Cephalosporins! Don't give any more of the Omnicef!

skidderdo

PS there are lots of choices for antibiotics, don't stress... and remember, 80-90% of ear infections are viral anyway, which may be why the antibiotics seem ineffective. GL and hope LO gets better soon!

skidderdo

PSS I'm the only one in my family with a Penicillin or any medication allergy. Boo. Luck of the draw I guess

arschm02

Thanks ladies. He is soooo much better today! He had to be woken up this morning after 11 hours and 40 minutes of STTN. And he was actually laughing and playing instead of crying and whining today. His rash is nearly gone too.