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Up to 10 percent of people report being allergic to penicillin or the penicillin class of antibiotics,
making it the most commonly reported drug allergy. If you are allergic to penicillin,
it’s recommended to avoid medicines in the same antibiotic class such as amoxicillin
and ampicillin. Certain antibiotics that should be used with caution in penicillin allergic
patients include drugs in the cephalosporin class such as cephalexin (Keflex). Cephalosporins
have a low rate of causing an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to penicillin,
but their use should still be monitored in these people. Remember, just because you show
allergic symptoms after taking penicillin doesn’t mean that you will react to related
drugs, such as amoxicillin, but it increases the chances that you might. Also, just because
you had a reaction to penicillin (or any other drug) at one point doesn’t mean you will
have the same reaction later on. The best decision is to always watch for signs
of an allergic reaction such as a rash, hives, or trouble breathing. Make sure to contact
your doctor if you have signs of an allergic reaction and seek medical care if you have
difficulty breathing. Always let your pharmacist and doctor know if you have a penicillin allergy.