my baby's reaction to amoxicillin

[mom1974]

My ten month old has had the flu this week and was previously treated for an ear in fection last week with amoxicillin.  After taking it for ten days he woke up today with a horrible break out all over his little face and body.  After meeting our doctor at the office on a sat, he seemed to think it was a reaction.  We have one dose of benydryl in, but it has actually worsened and spread since this afternnon.  It looks horrific!  Are there any serious concerns I should have now or does it just look awful until it clears up?

[kelli212]

I am dealing with the same exact issue right now with my nine month old. He was taking amoxicillin for an ear infection and he had the same reaction. His rash is worse today than it has been. I am guessing that the medicine is just still in his system even though we have quit taking it, therefore he still has the rash. He is now on a different antibiotic and I am giving him benydryl too. I wish someone who knows would respond to your post. It is a good question and I would like to know the answer too. Good luck!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You need to take the child to the pediatrician urgently. This could be an allergic reaction to the drug - and it would need to be treated or there is a possibility that it continues to worsen.

Some such cases have known to even be fatal.

I am not trying to scare you, but just to make you realise the urgency.

You would be advised admission if the rash is severe or some medication including steroids if the doctor thinks it is mild in intensity.

Do schedule an appointment at the earliest or take him to the ER.

Keep us posted about the progress.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[jml1986]

I agree, you need to get your child to a doctor asap. Rash is not generally the only reaction to meds. Your throat can swell shut and cut off the child air supply. If the doctor can't see you then goe to the er.

[jskdreams7]

I had the same thing happen to. I have an 8 month old who was giving amoxicillin for ear infection and a bad sinus infection. after about 3 hours after I gave her the first dose. She broke out into a huge rash that covered here entire body. Then she started weezing and having problems breathing. So we took her to the ER. The doctor there said that she needed to go to the childrens hospital right away. So we went there and she stayed there for about 2 weeks. The doctor said that she was allergic to amoxicillin. { I can not take amoxicillin since I am allergic to any penicillin etc.} The best advise I can give you is take him to the doctor and see if if they would be able to do an allergy test {they would draw blood} and they will figure out for sure if he is allergic to amoxicillin. That is what they had to do for my daughter.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How is your baby doing now? Let us know about the health and well being of your child?

What did the pediatrician advise? What medications were prescribed?

Let us know if ou have any doubts and update us on the latest.

Regards.

[kedaryntoewit2boyz]

My son is taking amoxicillin right now and I am not having trouble with a rash but I am noticing some changes in my son since he has been on the medication. He was originally put o n it for respitory and ear infection but I am worried that he may have a slight reation to it because he is vomiting or spitting up a thick mucousy discharge that does not have a normal look to it. Yes, I called a health care professional but I recieved the run around. Am i just too concerned of a mother or is it just an upset stomache from taking the medication????

[ginmich07]

I have a 10 month old that just started taking Amoxicillin about 6 days ago and since hes taken it, he has the worse diaper rash. Nothing I do makes it better, it just will not go away. Im wondering if this a allergic reaction. He did have a few bumps on his neck and cheek but I didnt think anything of it. Now, reading the posts..it seems as if he does have an allergic reaction to it. Now, I have been reading about it and everything says to not take him off of Amoxicillin because then the bacteria could spread. What should i do?

[cibochips]

my two year old son took amox 3days ago. today i saw rashes on his legs and arms. what first aid should i do?

[SullysMom]

Wow, this sounds like a really common problem. Our 7 month old was put on Amoxicillin just over a week ago for an ear infection. Then yesterday we noticed he had a bumpy red rash from head to toe. We took him to ER and the doc said it's a reaction to the medication (duh). So he said to stop the Amoxicillin and give him Benadryl as needed if he seems uncomfortable. Our son did not have any respiratory symptoms, just this crazy rash all over his body! My question is, how long does this rash usually last? And will it go away faster if I give him Benadryl. It doesn't seem to bother him at all, so I don't want to drug him if I don't have to. This morning it looks pretty much the same as last night, no worse though, but I expected it to be looking better by now since his last dose was yesterday morning?

[KBMOM]

I am going through a similar issue with my 1 year old.  She was first was diagnosed with strep throat and took the full dose of Amox for 10 days without any reaction, three weeks ago.  Then, last week, she was diagnosed with an ear infection & the dr. prescribed Amox/Clavulanate for 7 days.  After 4 days, she broke out into a nasty, bumpy rash all over her face, behind her ears and scalp.  I immediately called the dr, but being a Sunday did not answer my call.  However, I made the executive decision to stop the antibiotic just in case it was a reaction to the medicine.  I finally spoke to the dr. on Monday and she immediately asked me to take her in & asked me to stop the meds and administer Benadryl instead.  Within the day, the rash had gotten worse.  The dr. prescribed Desonide Cream 0.05%, 2x daily on the affected area & an ear drop to treat her infection.  We started on Monday; it is now Wednesday & while some areas have gotten better (behind her ears especially), the face is still very affected by the rash.  I'm also giving her Benadryl 2x daily.  I just wonder how much longer we should wait before visiting the dr again or the ER?  

[kk72]

My 17 month old daughter had an ear infection. 3 days after the amoxicillin she had hives all over her torso and around her mouth. I took her to the doctors and they said it was allergic reaction, 3 days later and 4 days after stopping the medicine it was still there. took her back and had 4 vials of blood taken on 2 seperatre days.. tests came back no allergy from the medicine. i was told that the penicillin can trigger other allergens to come out. it has been 2 weeks and now finally breaking up. i was told zyrtec at night and hydrocortisone all over body and face. we have to see an allergy specialist to determine what the allergy is. i have been told by numerous people that same situations occur, sometimes it never happens again, and some people state they have severe food allergies.

[SullysMom]

Hey again,
Just thought I'd post an update -- Sullivan's almost clear of his rash now, thank goodness! I gave him Benadryl as recommended by the ER doc (note - the dosage was as instructed by the pharmacist, as the instructions on the box are for hayfever type symptoms -- she assured me that the higher dose for an allergic reaction is safe and necessary). We gave him 1 tsp Benadryl every 6 hours starting Monday morning, till Tues morning when we saw our family doc and she said it was okay to stop. The rash got gradually better, and now is no longer red, although I can still feel tiny bumps when I run my hand over his skin. And KBMOM, just so you know, his face was the last area to show improvement. Thankfully the ear is clear, so no further antibiotics needed to be prescribed. I see the light at the end of the tunnel! :)

[kemi503]

I DOES NOT HAVE TO BE AN ALLERGY!  My 8 month finished Amoxacillian 6 days ago and broke out in a rash last night.  I took him to the doctor this morning and she told me that it is literally called "Amoxacillian Rash".  It typically will start in the trunk of the body one week after medication is stopped and then spread out to the limbs.  It does not itch and will subside in approximately 1 week.  She even pulled out a book and showed me EXACTLY what it was with pictures that were identicle to what my babys rash looks like.

[livbymy]

My 8 mth old has double ear infections & is now on 4th day of amoxicillin.  He has undiagnosed mild eczema (red cheeks, spit up a ton after nursing (but still gained plenty of weight), cradle cap, & little red dots on the back of his knees after starting solid foods).   I have suspected dairy intolerance but haven't done elimination diet to prove or disprove.  

In the past 3 days, his eczema is spreading to his chin, neck, and I just saw a small rash on his buttock.   This is what prompted me to google like crazy & figure out what's in the oral pink bubblegum amoxicillin that is causing the eczema rash to flare up.

The inactive ingredients of amoxicillin include food coloring and additives.  There is some connection between these ingredients & eczema/skin rashes according to google search results.

I'm going to call the pedi tomorrow am & request to switch to the amoxicillin powder ( in addition to reviewing the rash).  I hesitate to treat a reaction to a medication with another medication and prefer to figure out what the cause is.

Also, I just put him on Solaray's probiotics for baby today to help maintain the healthy bacteria levels in his body and build up his immune system's response to allergens, etc.

[livbymy]

Just a follow up: I don't know if it's okay to post links here, but I read this medical study titled: Study of skin rashes after antibiotic use in young children.
By Huang SW, Borum PR.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9793729?dopt=Abstract

It is what made me want to switch to the dye-free amoxicillin for my baby (which I will hopefully do tomorrow).

Hope this helps someone else out there!

[vivian79]

my 5 year old daughter was given amoxy for strep and finished the 10 day dosage....3 days later a rash startrd on her elbows and behind her knees....the next day all over her body red splotchy hives that looked like 2nd degree burns ALL over body and Face....swollen eyes....horrible...took her to er and they gave her benedryl and motrin for fever and pain.....did that for 2 days before the hives went away but while it was going away some spots became purple like bruises on her body....that lasted another day or 2.....ped said it was allergic reaction to amoxy and it may come back until amoxy leaves her system completely...need to do allergy test now but situation was definetly frightening.

[Noel1111]

My 15 month old sone has had 2 ear infections and the first time we gave him amoxicillin and nothing happened. Then just 2 weeks ago he had another ear infection so he got amoxicillin again and within six dasy of being on it he broke out in a rash that was all over his body and it looked like welts. So we took him to the emergency room just this past saturday and he said it was an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. The rash started lightly friday night and saturday it spread to his face and they welted out. Sunday his belly cleared up but other parts got worse. Monday it started to clear up and today(tuesday) its completely gone. If it is just a rash the doctors do not really do anything except take them off the medicine. Maybe benedryl for discomfort but other than that it will go away on its own.

[mommyvanna]

I can't believe this many people are going through the same thing. I am scared and unsure if my daughter is getting a rash but i can see redness occuring on her back and abdomen. Should I take her to the ER or wait until Monday and take her to the Pediatrition? She woke up at 5a.m throwing up and she had very watery diahrea. not sure what to do, any advice?

[SUSIEQmama]

I have a 6 month old girl who was on amoxicillian for 10 days for 2 ear infections. She broke out in a rash near the end of the dosage thats red, hives that change and move around.. alomst like little boils from her head to her feet. Swollen red feet and hands and sore to the touch. No difficulty breathing. I took her to the ER after talking to the doctor 2x by phone. They said it was an illergic reaction to the amox. Shes to young for Benadryl so they told me oatmeal baths/ calamine lotion or cortizone cream. Also, doc said it would go away in a week to two weeks and do a follow up.  
My advice is I know it looks horrible like a disease but take a deep breath... definetly go to the doctors it gave me peace of mind to know that this too shall pass...

~ :)

[AR4224]

My son is also having a similar reaction, after 7 days of Amox. and 1 day on Keflex.  Even though I'm giving Benadryl he is still reacting once the Benadryl wears off. He's on Z-pak now & I have my fingers crossed that the hives will stop.  My Dr. said it may get worse before it gets better...I guess it is doing just that.  Hope your baby is better soon!

[lucasmom06]

My son is 2 1/2, he has taken amoxicillin numerous times for ear infections. The new doctor I took him to put him on a higher dosage. He had one dose left and I noticed he had a red rash with tiny white bumps. Took him to the doctor and they said it was an allergic reaction to something but they don't know what. Hoping its the amoxicillin because it's going to be really hard to narrow down what is causing it. How long does this reaction last???? I feel like I am giving him so much medication. I was worried it was scarlatina because he had the flu before the ear infection and the rash looks a little similar. I would just like to know when can I expect this to be over, it has been 4 days.

[megans_daddy]

Same problem.  My two year old girl is going through a very, very similar thing now.  9 Days ago she was diagnosed with STREPP by swap at an E.R. and amoxy was prescribed.  Yesterday, my wife called me at work and said my little girl was developing some red dots on her belly and chest.  We called the family dr., but was out of the office, so a nurse said keep an eye on it. If things worsen by morning, then get to the e.r. or a Dr.  It got worse by the next morning.  Way worse.  The red bumps seemed to multiply on themselves.  And were forming raised areas, not just a red rash.  Her cheeks have swelled up giving her one hell of slapped cheek look, and there are bumps in her mouth.  My wife and I were terrified.  I am deathly allergic to crustacean iodine (ocean shellfish), and my throat once swelled closed in only 23 minutes, so I was extemely nervous.  

This morning, the e.r. dr. checked for various other virus's then determined it was the amoxycillan her body is reacting too.   Like other's on the post I was extemely worried.  I'm not so worried now after seeing success stories just after 3 days. Mlittle girl is still eating and drinking.  She just finished a large sippy cup of milk with her first 2.5 ml of Benedryl. She is resting now, the benedryl has kicked in.

[sch2]

     When my daughter was about 11 months old, she was given amoxicillin for an ear infection.  She broke out in a red rash all over her body.  We took her to the doctor, and they changed the medicine and told me she was allergic to amoxicillin.  She cleared up a week or so later.
     About 8 months later, I was doing some spring cleaning in my closet where I found mold in the corner.  My kids were napping in the other room, so I took everything out
and tried to clean up the mess.  Before they woke up, I had everything picked up, cleaned up, vacuumed around, etc.  The next morning, she woke up with a horrible rash that looked the same as the amoxicillin reaction, only worse - with raised hives and more red sploches.  She didn't even come in contact with the mold in the closet.  The only thing I can figure is that she breathed in the mold spores.
     We took her to the emergency room, and I told the doctor about the amoxicillin allergy, and that my theory was that, since amoxicillin and penicillin are created by mold naturally, there was a connection.  I have never wanted to slap someone so much - this doctor told me that was ridiculous - that all amoxicillin and penicillin products are created synthetically.  He said I just must have missed something and she got into something.  I am a stay at home mom - I don't miss much, and I know I didn't miss anything that could cause a reaction like that!
     Word of advice from someone who has been there, keep a watch out for mold and rashes like the amoxicillin reaction rash.  Our pediatrician seemed to agree with me, so that er doctor was just being a jackalope!  2 + 2 really does = 4!

     I really hope all of your kids get better.  ;)

[sewfine]

Our grandson is being treated for a sinus infection and ear infection.  He was prescribed Amoxicillin for 10 days.  He had taken 3 doses when we stopped in today.
When I changed him, I noticed a circular rash ~ little blister-like bumps in a pronounced red area.  I thought it was directly where he had had a shot @ the dr.s a few days ago.  Then I noticed it was also around his ankle.
The next time I changed him, it was in several other areas.  We kept a watch; it would seem to disappear from one area, only to reappear in another...each time in larger splotches.
Our kids dr. told them that it was a delayed rash from the fever he had had two days ago ~ I raised 2 kids. . .never heard that one.
Is there a dr. 'out there' who might be able to give me any guidance based on my information here?
HUGE thank you.

[sewfine]

It was an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin!

[Meljerseymom]

My 21/2 yr son has the same thing. First on his belly then a few days later it was all over him. The dr said it was just an reaction to the med and nothing to worry about. Cause the red bumps were not itchy or hot. I do have to watch for very dry lips, swollen tongue cause that means a very serious trip to the ER. But that RARELY happens.
If this is happening to you and you don't think it is an allergy...just red spots nothing else just stop giving the amoxicillin (sorry about spelling) and no need for benadryl but if are worried 1 dose won't be that bad for them. Once the rash goes on the face it will be another 1-2 days of a really bad rash all over then it will calm down.  
Mel

[stacey8220]

I just went through the same exact thing in my 1 year old son. The week of April 27th he started having a runny noise, sneezing and coughing. I called the doctor and they said that if it gets worse bring him in but his 1 year check up was that Friday May 1st. When we went for his one year check up he indeed had an ear infection. They prescribed him amoxicillin. For the rest of the time he was pretty  much ok except for when they called me at work one day and told me he had a temp of 102.2-103. I went to pick him up and I immediately brought him to his pediatrician who said he just has a bad cold. This past Saturday we were running some errands and all of a sudden out of nowhere I noticied these bumps all of his arms, legs, face so I brought him to the emergency room. They gave him some steriods and benaydrl which honestly seemed to do nothing. They gave me 4 presciptions to give to him and off we went. Yesterday (Sunday) he still had the hives all over but it looked like another break out happened. We just got back from the pediatician today (Monday) and he said he was most likely due to the amoxicillin. He took him off all his medication and said to just keep an eye on his fever and give him benadyrl as needed for itching. I honestly hope that the reaction is indeed from the amoxicillin. The doctor did say that he could take a while for an allergic reaction to show up. All I know is I have never been so scared in my life. All I can say as a parent is watch your little baby and if you NOTICE ANYTHING different call the doctor and dont feel bad or feel like your a pest. Babies cant talk so they cant tell you whats wrong. Good luck to everyone!

[coolcat1977]

My son had a terrible reaction at 6months but not until 5 days of being on the meds. I brought him to the ped. the first day and he told me to stop the amoxicillian and give him ben. I did and ended up in the ER the next morning they gave him oral steriods  and said he thoght he may have the flu on top of it. The next day it was horrific! I took him back in without an appointment and he needed a shot of steroids and a cream just to calm him! It took a good 12 hours to see results. He is 9 months and has another bad ear infection. He was on omnicef for 10 days and his ear is even worse! They just switched him to bactrim and now he is throwing up! They say he may need shots to make him better. What happens if he gets strept throat or even worse? Will he be able to take anything? This is mt third and it's only natural he would get sick more then the others because of his brothers bringing home bugs from preschool, but I feel like I can't get him well.
HELP!

[Jaxnmom]

Wow, after reading all of these post about the Amoxicillin, I'm taking my son off tonight---No more of this drug. He has no hives, but his lips have been very dry and he has just gotten the worst case of diaper rash I've ever seen, like sandpaper almost. His little testicles are all swollen and penis inflamed, and I don't think someone that small should be in that much pain. I may start to try homeopathic remedies, because it seems that all doctors do is continue to give drug after drug for each problem....that's too much on a small immune system. Be careful everyone, and I hope your kids got better!

[KirstyB]

livbymy, really appreciated your detective work.  I am going to speak to my doc about additives in antibiotics.  My 10 month old son is being treated for an ear infection with amoxicillin.  He has pre-existing eczema on his face and when the rash developed a rash all over his body on day 4 of antibiotic use, I thought it was more eczema.  The rash improved for a few says (but did not go away) but has now worsened (day 8).  I decided, with agreement from doc, to keep him on amoxicillin to complete the course rather than introduce a new antibiotic.  My son is otherwise happy and doesn't appear to be in distress from the rash.  I am going to see the doc again tomorrow and am going to ask for a skin test for allergy to penicilin (although I doubt the rash is due to this).   I have booked an appt with a dermatologist later this week to discuss the eczema and rash post antibiotics.  I too am giving probiotics a couple of hours after the antibiotics and have been using these to try and manage the eczema prior to the ear infection.  Hope your kids are well soon.  Don't be deterred by dismissive medical professionals.  My exerience as a parent tell me a mother's observations and 'gut feel' about health issues in their children are often right and usually key to getting the correct diagnosis.

[ChemPhD]

Warning!!

Please, take your child to the pediatrician as soon as possible after ER visit if amoxicillin is prescribed.  My 15 month old daughter was diagnosed with ear infection by an ER Dr. and amoxicillin was prescribed.  So, we start the amoxicillin immediately.  After 2 1/2 days in amoxicillin she started to develop a mild rash so we stop amoxicillin and decided to take her to the pediatrician.  The pediatrician found that there was no ear infection and told us to stop giving her amoxicillin.  It turns out it was roseola infantum.

[Lindseyw1]

My daughter had an ear infrection for the second time and she was put on amoxcillin. By day 8 of the meds she got a rash and later that night she was all puffy and has hives every where. We brouhgt her to the er and they gaver her an epi shot to help and said to take bynedryl and perscribed her Prednisone. The next day the rash got worse even after giving her the meds so i brought her to the er again they blew it off and said she is fine just take the meds. As long as she is breathing fine.... By monday the rash had changed and was all over her in her ears, hair, everywhere. Now the rash was warm to the touch she had a fever and the rash was turning pruple and black! So i went to a different hospital where they specialize in kids. They where very concerned she was kept in the hospital for a day and a half , They had not seen a rash like this before. She was given lots of steroids for all the swelling and the rash. She is better now but is still swollen and has hives. They said it could take a few weeks to go away. Either way this was really scary and it's sad i had to go to three doctors for them to realize she was really sick from the meds.

[Dr_Subir]

Give some time and have patience. It was a systemic allergic reaction. Your baby will be allright.

[chasesmommy331]

i just had the same thing happen, i have a 3 month old who was put on amoxicillin to PREVENT a kidney infection which i didnt agree with in the first place because hes so young. today he broke out in a terrible rash from head to toe its on his fingers and scalp. took him to the ER and they said benidryl if needed but now im worried about his throat closing up they said that wouldnt be an issue but a lot of peopl eon here heard differently. any thing i should be looking for with that? he doesnt seem distressed. just cuddley

[Sylver3]

My baby was diagnosed with ear infection last week and started getting light red spotty rash on his cheeks this morning, nothing horrible so I dropped him at day care. They just called telling me he's got it on his hands and feet but he's acting fine. Was cruising around the internet and found this forum and also found something all of you may find helpful: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_ampirash_hhg.htm

I also have a call in for a nurse call back from my pediatric clinic, but after reading the above webpage i'm pretty sure he's just fine.

[babygirl831]

Please be aware if your baby/child starts sticking their tongue out like not normal looking. Like their tongue might be swallon. My daughter when she was about 7 months at the time was doing that I am not sure why and this happened a long time ago. She was having a allergic reactiong to something. We took her to the er not wanting to because of the swine flu. She was running very high fevers for a few days she was on her baby meds. which helped for a awhile. But I was very scared and so unsure of what to do. But the fever was not going away and it just made me cry because I didn't know what to do. Then we just decided to take her to the er we took her about 3am and they got us in and out. I kept her safe as I could. We had some swine flu cases at the hospital, which is why I was so panicky. She had a ear infection and a allergic reaction. I am guessing the high fevers might have had something to do with her having an allergic reaction. But I don't know. Hope this is helpful.

[Jax25]

We had a similar experience to what Lindseyw1 posted July 12, 2009. Our 10.5mth old son was taken to the pediatrician, last Friday 07/17, and we were told he had an ear infection. He took the medicine for 6 days, then Thursday,  he went to sleep early and I forgot to give him his medicine. The next morning, 07/24, he had a red rash all over his face, his eyes were swollen, he had a fluctuating temperature of 99-101. We took him to the pediatrician, who said he had a 'viral infection' and not a reaction. She said his ear infection was gone, so we could discontinue the antibiotic. She said take Tylenol for fever as needed, and Benadryl for the rash. Well, by Saturday, he was worse, itching all over, it looked like swollen blisters all over his body. Oatmeal baths and calamine lotion did not abate his agony! So, that evening we took him to the after hours pediatrician, and the doctor indeed said it was a reaction and immediately prescribed Predinisolone (5 days only). Here it is 24 hrs after second doctor visit, and his symptoms have improved remarkably, and he is not itching nearly as much.We are relieved, as is our son!  Second opinions should never be underestimated!!

[dice401]

My little girl is 6 months old. She got an ear infection a week ago and was given Amoxicillan. We went thru the full perscription and it wasn't until a day or two after that she started to get a full body rash. I took her to our family Dr. and was advised that it is VERY common for infants to develop this rash after taking the Amoxicillan AND having something viral in their system (ie, cold/flu, etc). Was advised it will go away with no additional treatment required. What I have noticed on top of that as well, is Motrin will make the rash worse!