Allergic to either Septra or Salbutamol, don't know which one

I have been plagued by a nasty illness for the past week. Exactly seven days ago (Monday), I started taking Septra for various infections. On Sunday night I started on a Salbutamol inhaler because of wheezing in my lungs. Within six hours of taking the inhaler, my entire upper body was covered in a sunburn-like itchy rash. I went to the local hospital and the doctor did order treatment, but before I mention what his decision was I'd like a second opinion on what may have caused the rash. The doctor told me that an allergic reaction to an antibiotic after seven days is extremely uncommon, but so is an allergic reaction to an inhaler that is prescribed a LOT and is not known to have many people allergic to it. However, he was absolutely certain that my rash was caused by an allergic response. There are no environmental causes; we went through a complete list of possibilities (ie: new soap, new make up, different fabric, etc.) and none of them are relevant.

I should also like to add that I am also taking the following medication (none of which is new):
Zoloft 200 mg/day for anxiety and depression
Pariet for acid reflux
Painkillers for fever

Does anyone out there have any thoughts?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The itchy rash that you had is called urticaria or hives. Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.

In your case as the hives appeared shortly after taking the inhaler,so it is due to salbutamol.Had it been due to septra(trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole),then it would have appeared shortly after taking septra.Hives is a known side effect of salbutamol.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.