Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: My 17 month graddaughter had an allergic reaction to amoxicillian. She has had this before with no reaction, is this possible, way this time??

Dear Donna: For an allergic reaction to occur, you must have had previous exposure to an allergen (For example antibiotic amoxicillin). The first exposure resulted in an immune reaction resulting in the formation of antibodies against the allergen. On second exposure to the same allergen, the previously formed antibodies react with the allergen, resulting in an allergic reaction. The reaction can be localized or systemic, with the most severe type resulting in anaphylaxis. The only way to prevent this from occurring in the future is to avoid future exposure to the allergen, in your granddaughter’s case amoxicillin.