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What Causes Itchy Red Rashes All Over The Body While On Amoxicillin Clavulanate?
Question: About one week after being prescribed Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Tablets, USP (875 mg/125 mg) for a condition diagnosed as Salivary Gland infection, I have now broken out in an itchy, full-body rash with red bumps resembling mosquito bites. Rash areas are heaviest on back, chest, neck and upper legs. I'm just guessing, but since I don't recall ever being on this particular medication before, can my body be reacting to this new medication which I'm taking twice daily (one in the morning and one at bedtime). I'm a 72-year old white male in good general health. My other current daily medications are Levothyroxine, Simvastatin and Baby Aspirin. The itching is starting to drive my crazy and I won't be able to see my primary physician until Monday or Tuesday. In the meantime, would Aveeno Oatmeal baths help calm down the itching or are there any other over-the-counter products that might be helpful? Thank you
XXXXXXX Bentley, Georgetown, TX
XXXXXXX Bentley, Georgetown, TX
Brief Answer:
an antihistamine may help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it sounds like an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. Such a reaction may occur even if you'd taken the antibiotic in the past without any side effects. Allergy may occur at any time. Avoiding the offending factor (the antibiotic) and taking an antihistamine drug like cetirizine (for example) will probably help. Aveeno Oatmeal won't help. If you also have lesions inside the mouth then you should visit the ER. Other reasons to visit the ER include shortness of breath and low blood pressure caused by the allergic reaction. Another reason to visit a doctor sooner than Monday is a bad infection in the salivary glands. If this is a serious case with high fever then another antibiotic might have to be instituted.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
an antihistamine may help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
it sounds like an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. Such a reaction may occur even if you'd taken the antibiotic in the past without any side effects. Allergy may occur at any time. Avoiding the offending factor (the antibiotic) and taking an antihistamine drug like cetirizine (for example) will probably help. Aveeno Oatmeal won't help. If you also have lesions inside the mouth then you should visit the ER. Other reasons to visit the ER include shortness of breath and low blood pressure caused by the allergic reaction. Another reason to visit a doctor sooner than Monday is a bad infection in the salivary glands. If this is a serious case with high fever then another antibiotic might have to be instituted.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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