Amoxicillin Allergy More Likely in Children

Children are more likely to have an allergy to amoxicillin than adults, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix Nov.

Children are more likely to have an allergy to amoxicillin than adults, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix Nov. 11-16. Amoxicillin is a form of penicillin.

Of the 62 penicillin-allergic children studied, 34 percent tested positive for amoxicillin compared to 14 percent of adults. Children were also more likely to be positive solely to amoxicillin when compared with the adult population.

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"Amoxicillin should be considered as part of the penicillin skin test panel when testing children, and if included, there may be a better chance of detecting penicillin allergy in this group," say the study''s authors.

Title: Children are More Likely to be Positive to Amoxicillin on Penicillin Skin Testing than Adults
Co-authors: Allergist Miguel Park, MD, ACAAI Member, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

By the numbers:
Penicillin is the most common cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis, causing 400 deaths yearly. It''s important to discuss any drug reaction with your allergist. An allergist can help identify drug allergies and discuss avoidance and treatment options.

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Source-Newswise

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