Allergic reaction to Antibiotic Keflex (Cephalexin)??

[Dreynolds]

A few weeks back I had a cold that ultimately led to a sinus infection.  I went to the doc and they indeed confirmed the infection, and prescribed me a 7 day dosage of Cephalexin.  After 7 days, there were still some lingering symptoms of the infection, so they prescribed me another 7 day course.  I am at the end of that course and the sinusitis is gone.  

However, just yesterday, I started itching all over and today I've noticed small, faint red bumps scattered all over my body essentially.  These are, undoubtedly, the cause of the itching (though the itching is not incredibly bad).  I have had an allergic reaction before to an antibiotic (don't remember what kind it was, but I was taking it for acne when I was a teenager) except that was full blown, head to toe hives that itched AWFULLY.  This, so far, is just very small bumps that itch kinda like it feels when your skin gets dry.

Is it unusual to have a reaction that far into an antibiotic?  That is the only thing I can think of that could be causing it?  Could it be something I ate or drank with it?  Anyone have a similar experience w/ an antibiotic at the end of the course?

[Sbbp]

Hi how long did it take for the rash to subside and for you to feel better.. Please let me know.. Thanks,

[fee888]

Everything I have read here is nearly identical to my experience after taking a course of Cephalexin. The rash developed the day after I finished taking it. The rash first appeared as small red, lumpy pimple like dots all over my arms and chest. I went to my GP a day later and she suggested I take some common antihystimines. I have done this for the last 6 days and there has been no improvement. In fact it has got worse and has now spread to my legs. The rash on my arms was not itchy at first but I am now experiencing a mild itch and many of the red pimples/lumps are now quite scaley and feel almost like sunburn. The rash on my legs is still just a mass of red pimple like dots. I am very worried after reading all these posts as none of them have indicated a successful treatment/cure. If any of you have had any success please let me know!!!  

[fee888]

Everything I have read here is nearly identical to my experience after taking a course of Cephalexin. The rash developed the day after I finished taking it. The rash first appeared as small red, lumpy pimple like dots all over my arms and chest. I went to my GP a day later and she suggested I take some common antihystimines. I have done this for the last 6 days and there has been no improvement. In fact it has got worse and has now spread to my legs. The rash on my arms was not itchy at first but I am now experiencing a mild itch and many of the red pimples/lumps are now quite scaley and feel almost like sunburn. The rash on my legs is still just a mass of red pimple like dots. I am very worried after reading all these posts as none of them have indicated a successful treatment/cure. If any of you have had any success please let me know!!!  

[reg6524]

WOW! what a nightmare after reading the above threads. I was given cephalexin 500 mg x 2 for a nagging dry peeling skin above my upper lip. Doctor said it was a bacterial infection considering it wouldn't go away with a mild steriod cream. I was given 20 capsules for 10 days. I took 7 days without a problem along with a probiotic. I missed 1 day, took 1 pill the following day without a probiotic. The followowing day my arms started itching. I noticed pimples, and from there to my chest and around my neck. I went to the doctor, he said it was a reaction to the cephalexin, stop taking them. Itching is mild, controlled with steroid cream, it will definately spread is you start scratching. I'm trying Benadryl and remember to keep your hands washed. For this too shall past...

[sweetpea7844]

Cephalexin has ruined my life.  I took it two months ago for a UTI.  They gave me cephalexin because I am currently nursing and they said it was perfectly safe for my baby.   It gave my son horrible diarrhea for over a month, but thankfully he has recovered.  About a week after I stopped taking it I developed the sensation of a lump in my throat and heartburn.  Now I also have stomach cramps, indigestion, and diarrhea - 2 months later!  I'm sure it was the cephalexin as I never had any problems before I took it.  Please research this drug before taking it!!

[judi554]

After I posted my last comments, I had a discussion with my daughter who suggested I try Black Soap on my skin to see if there would be any improvement in the rash I had resulting from the Keflex.  I lathered the soap and washed everything from head to toe.  There was a very mild burning on my skin, however not enought to say ouch.  After a few days I noticed that the tiny bumps were not as raised as before.  Today, the bumps on my neck are completely gone.  The bumps on my face are almost gone.  I hope this information helps someone out there.  Feel free to reply to discuss further or if you have any questions.