Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What is penicillin? why are some people allergic to it?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Antimicrobial agent: No one really knows why people become allergic to this drug or any other for that matter. It attaches to a protein molecule as a hapten and the immune system confuses this resultant molecule with an invader and mounts an errant response typically reserved for parasites. Fortunately penicillin allergy may fade with time and can be demonstrated with a skin test.
Answered 1/5/2019
1.9k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
Are there any ways to suddenly get an alergic reation to penicillin?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I'm allergic to penicillin and took some accidentally. What should I do?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I'm allergic to penicillin is it relevant and necessary for me to wear a medical id bracelet!?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I am allergic to penicillin notatum, would I be allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
