Itching when taking amoxicillin

Why is it itchy?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic and is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. It belongs to the group of penicillins.

10 out of 100 users experience itching (pruritus) while taking amoxicillin. that itching is a relatively common side effect of the drug. The itching occurs because the body is hypersensitive or allergic to amoxicillin or components of the drug.

The immune system is here activated incorrectly through antibodies in the blood that bind to the drug and its components. This is how, for example, the mast cells become histaminewhich is sometimes found in the skin and mucous membranes. Histamine is a tissue hormone and ultimately one of the strongest triggers of itching when there is an increased release. But histamine can also Rashes or edema (Water retention).

It is also possible that the first intake of amoxicillin was well tolerated and only at taking again - even years later - an allergic reaction such as itching occurs. Why one person is overly sensitive and another is not, probably lies in the Genes justified.

What can you do about it?

Of the itching During or after taking amoxicillin is usually accompanied by a rash, but it is in the course mostly harmless. Nonetheless, if you have symptoms that may be due to the drug, the consult attending physician. This can examine whether it is an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin and whether it must be discontinued, replaced by another or further treatment must be carried out.

This further treatment may require that other medication taken Need to become. So can with severe itching and accompanying skin rash cortisone creams prescribed by a doctor and applied to the itchy areas of the skin.
If the itching is severe, the doctor may use the so-called H1 antihistamines such as Fenistil (active ingredient Dimetinden) prescribe in drop or tablet form, which relieve the itching.

Because the itching from others too life threatening symptoms how Swelling in the face and neck area, Shortness of breath or Drop in blood pressure can be accompanied, should the Emergency doctor be called. Amoxicillin and other penicillins should then be used with the next treatment for bacterial infections absolutely avoided become.

Please also read our topic: Itching of the skin

Duration

How long the itching lasts varies from person to person different. After the medication is stopped, the itching should subside after a few days have improved. Usually the itching will go away in approximately for most people one to two weeks.

Should the skin continue beyond this period continue to itch or generally no improvement tendency should be recognized, should the Consulted a doctor become. If the itching is severe and persistent, for example Syringe with antihistamines administer which should lead to an immediate relief of the itching.

Concomitant symptoms

Rash

Of the itching, which is triggered by taking amoxicillin, is often accompanied by other symptoms. This is how it often happens Redness or swelling the itchy skin. You can also Vesicles and wheals form on the skin.

This inflammatory allergic rash is then called "Medicinal rash" designated. The rash is mostly red, spotty or map-like and can spread over the entire body.
However, an itchy rash can also just appear certain parts of the body as shown on hands, feet and / or face.

Read more about the topic here: Skin rash - these disorders are the cause

An intolerance to amoxicillin can lead to itching and nausea diarrhea come. While these accompanying symptoms are rather harmless in nature, other symptoms such as Fever, difficulty swallowing, swelling the mucous membranes of the neck or facial swelling indicate a severe allergic reaction. The swelling of the neck can cause a life-threatening shortness of breath to lead. Therefore one should urgently Emergency doctor when swelling of the face and difficulty swallowing occur after taking amoxicillin.

You can also read our topic here: Amoxicillin rash

Effects on the anus

An allergic reaction to amoxicillin can develop Itching all over the body - therefore on the anus - spread out.
Because a hypersensitivity to amoxicillin but also too soft stool or diarrhea The anus may be affected by the changed stool easily inflamed and this itches and burns.

The itching of the anus (pruritus ani) can also be caused by a long-term use of amoxicillin Fungal infection to be triggered. By taking amoxicillin, benign bacteria that otherwise sit on the skin and mucous membrane of the anus are unintentionally killed. Have thereby Mushrooms a better way to multiply and spread. The fungi that most often cause anus infection are Candida fungi. These infections are usually treated topically with creams containing, for example, ciclopirox.

Effect in the genital area

The itch at the external genital area With possible redness the skin, can be attributed to an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.

In women However, there is often an itch on the external genitalia or in the vagina. In most cases this reaction is triggered by a Fungal infection triggered. The reason for this is that taking the antibiotic unintentionally kills benign bacteria that live in the vaginal lining, for example. This promotes a fungal infection - in most cases caused by the Candida species. Since this infection does not heal on its own, it should be treated. These are used for external use antifungal creams prescribed. For internal use there are suppositories containing antifungal agents.

Read more about the topic here: Vaginal fungus

After weaning

As previously described, the itching may occur after stopping amoxicillin a few days or weeks stop later.
However, it shows in the most patients already after a few days an improvement in the itching. If this is not the case, a Consulted a doctor who can prescribe medication to relieve itching.

From one taking again of amoxicillin or other penicillin supplements should advised against as they can cause the same or even stronger and more dangerous symptoms the next time they are taken.