Q. I had allergic reaction for an antibiotic. Is it normal for it to keep spreading?
Hi doctor,
I recently had the flu that is going round. During it, my GP prescribed me Erythromycin because she thought that I had a bacterial infection in my throat. Whether or not she was right, I suffered an extreme allergic reaction to the antibiotic, which I had used before without side effects. Another GP yesterday told me to stop taking those pills. She has prescribed me a strong antihistamine, Fexofenadine hydrochloride 120 mg, one to be taken once a day for a week or until the hives have cleared up. The rash started on my neck and spread across my body. It takes the form of tiny red dots like pimples, but not pimples. It does not itch. I took one Cetirizine three days ago and now I have taken two of the other antihistamines as of this morning. I am applying Hydrocortisone topically. It is now four days since I stopped taking the antibiotic and overall I had 17 pills. It is now two days into the stronger antihistamine. This morning, I notice the rash has spread down to my lower legs and feet. It is noticeably better in my neck and upper part of the chest. Is this normal for it to keep spreading as a result of an overproduction of histamine by the body in shock? How long will it take to clear? Will it clear completely? Are there better private medications or topical treatments to take if I want a 100% clearance of it? Please advise.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- During an episode of the flu, the rash is a very common manifestation. However, at times, it is very tough to differentiate if it is a viral rash or a drug rash because of allergy to the medication.
- Viral exanthems do follow a pattern in a few cases, and they subside on their own as the body recovers from the illness.
- Drug rashes usually take a longer time, as it takes more than three times the half-life of the drug, for it to be eliminated from the body.
- As in your case too, the rash could have a possibility of both, either a viral exanthem or drug rash.
- As it is not severe enough for an admission, the best treatment option would be the use of antihistamines in appropriate dose covering a period of at least 10 to 14 days.
- Over a period of one to two weeks, you should be able to recover completely from this issue.
- Antihistamines are very safe, except for a little bit of drowsiness and can be taken without any fear. If needed, the dose can be increased up to four times the standard dose.
- I would advise you to continue Allegra (Fexofenadine) if in case the rash still appears while on medication you may consider increasing the dose to 180 mg once daily.
- You can continue Hydrocort cream (Hydrocortisone). It is not advisable to take oral steroids so early in the course.
Investigations to be done:
Complete blood picture and absolute eosinophil count to check for eosinophilia, which is a manifestation in drug rashes.
Regarding follow up:Revert with the reports to a dermatologist online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist
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