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What Causes Red Itchy Blotches On The Skin After Taking Antibiotics?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Aug 2017
Question: I think I am allergic to antibiotic I am taking for Cdiff. I have broken out in red blotchy itchy patches on skin twice now after taking metronidazole500 mg. Have been on them for 8 days.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible allergic reaction

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Yes, this could be an allergic reaction to the antibiotic.

I recommend that you consider taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg every 6 hours, but also call the doctor who prescribed the metronidazole. They may want you to stop the metronidazole and give you an alternative antibiotic such as fidaxomicin.

As it is after hours, I advise that you call the number for your doctor and most likely you will get the answering service. Tell them the situation and they will connect you with the doctor on call for your own (unless he or she takes their own calls).

If the itching or hive type blotches get worse in spite of diphenhydramine, please go in to urgent care or ER to be seen where they may also add a short course of corticosteroids.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Red Itchy Blotches On The Skin After Taking Antibiotics?

Brief Answer: Possible allergic reaction Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Yes, this could be an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. I recommend that you consider taking Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg every 6 hours, but also call the doctor who prescribed the metronidazole. They may want you to stop the metronidazole and give you an alternative antibiotic such as fidaxomicin. As it is after hours, I advise that you call the number for your doctor and most likely you will get the answering service. Tell them the situation and they will connect you with the doctor on call for your own (unless he or she takes their own calls). If the itching or hive type blotches get worse in spite of diphenhydramine, please go in to urgent care or ER to be seen where they may also add a short course of corticosteroids. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.