Allergic to multiple medications

Hello @br549 and welcome to Connect. Yes, I know what you mean. I am allergic to 4 broad-spectrum antibiotics. I am OK with the antihistimes, so I do understand how frustrating it can be.

I've been told that it might be wise to talk with an allergist and check to see if the antibiotic allergies are true allergies. I have one antibiotic that I can use but if that one becomes a problem, I will consult with an allergist.

Have you talked with an allergist?

No. The effects I experience are always mostly the same. Years ago, I had a reaction to a sulfa drug and the doctor told me to never take them again. I swallow the pill, throat, mouth, lips, and face begin to burn - usually within an hour of taking the medication. My face will start to itch which then moves to my arms. Sometimes my fingers will tingle or become numb and I will get some degree of hives. Depending on the medication, I may also become confused, dizzy, and just "out of it". This week I was prescribed three different antibiotics and one also caused an irregular heartbeat. The last one was delayed and I thought I was going to do okay on it. After about 18 hours, I had the same reaction plus I had trouble breathing and had to grab my asthma medication and some benadryl. It has been two days now and I am still feeling pretty rough.
I will ask my doctor about allergy testing. She sent me to an allergist last year because I have such a bad reaction to corn and corn derivatives. The allergist did a skin prick and told me I am not allergic to corn. I asked him about my reactions and he basically insinuated it was "all in my head". I asked him if he would like me to make another appointment so I could have him witness what happens when I eat a corn product. Needless to say he was not interested in doing this. It is very frustrating. My doctor knows I am not imagining these reactions so at least I know I am not crazy!

I forgot to add, I had a surgery last year and the surgeon added an antibiotic to my IV. I had no problem at all with that medication. At least I know there is one out there. Today my family doctor told me that there isn't any antibiotics she can give me and if I am doing poorly, I will need to go to an ER. She told me that they can do IV medications if necessary and I would need more than one trip.

When my primary doc was having trouble finding an antibiotic I could tolerate for an infection after reacting to several others, she consulted with the Advising Pharmacist in our clinical system. He has been the best source for us.
Sue

I am wondering if Pharmacogenomic Testing might help shed some light on why you respond the way you do to various medications (?). Are medication intolerances (that seem to have fallen out of the Allergist's comfort zone) up the Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine's alley, does anyone happen to know?

Because you tolerated the iv drug, I wonder if the issue is not the antibiotic itself, but the capsule and/or the fillers used? My sister-in-law does not tolerate any drugs (or foods) with red dye added. I can handle the original brand name version of some meds, but not the generic subs. My Mom and a friend of mine only were able to use brand name Synthroid, no generics...

This would be a puzzle for an allergist specializing in meds - maybe within Mayo or another big multidisciplinary practice?

I am glad you mentioned that! I must only use the name branded Benadryl. The same goes for Pepto Bismal and it it due to how I react to the ingredients. Usually there are much more corn ingredients in the off brand products.I am going to look into this. Thank you.

Hello @br549

It is unfortunate that the allergist you saw wasn't willing to work with you more. Please know that it is your right to seek an opinion from another allergist who would make more of an effort to help you.

From reading some of the posts I see that you have received some good suggestions. I would agree with @sueinmn, that seeing a specialist (allergist) at a major health care system (like a university medical school or a facility like Mayo Clinic) might be a better way to find an answer to this problem.

Major health care organizations like these are far better at diagnosing hard-to-diagnose problems and because they are research-oriented, they tend to have answers and/or treatments that other doctors might not have.

Have you considered another opinion from a major health care system?

Are their advers reactions to anticholenergic medications such as hydroxyzine? I take 2 tabs for sleep, and it works well, but whew, just suppose the reaction contraindicates taing it.

Welcome @billmoskowitz, I think it's always a good idea to discuss medications and their possible adverse reactions or side effects with your doctor. Hopefully they are tuned into any of your other health conditions and possible side effects to watch for when taking medications. Here's some information on the topic:

-- Anticholinergics: List, Side Effects, Uses, Warnings, and More: https://www.healthline.com/health/anticholinergics

Have you had a chance to discuss your concerns with your doctor?