Swollen,painful and inflamed right calf.

[Albasain]

Last Thursday I noticed some inflammation on my right calf which was also tender to touch. I observed it over the next few days and noticed that the inflamed area was gradually moving lower down the calf. On Sunday the position was about mid calf and extending into the ankle. It was decided that I attend A&E for a checkup as the possibility could be DVT or to a lesser note Cellulitis. As it was it was agreed, after tests, that It wasn't a DVT but cellulitis instead and I was given an I.V. antibiotic, "Caftrione". This is were it became interesting. After 15 minutes Both hands were experiencing extreme itching and after 30 minutes both my arms, chest, back and legs were covered in a very hot rash. Obviously I had had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic and I called the doctor immediately who gave me an antihistamine and put in observation for the next hour. The rash subsided fairly rapidly after that with no trace at all after an hour and a half. I was then discharged but to come back the following morning for a followup.

Has anyone else had an adverse reaction when given and antibiotic?

[PMRpro]

I haven't had one to an antibiotic but the first anti-hypertensive medication I was tried on, an ACE inhibitor, did much the same to me! Most unpleasant too.

Do make sure you have a note of the antibiotic that did it and the family it belongs to and keep it in an easily found place for future reference. Make sure it is marked with a red start on your medical notes. If you have reacted like that once, the next time could be far worse - not necessarily but it could be. Prevention is better than cure. It may mean you won't tolerate any penicillin antibiotics either in future - do make sure all doctors know what happened.

[Albasain in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro,

The name of the drug is "Ceftriaxone" and belongs to the family of cephalosporin antibiotics. As I understand it it contains about 10% penicillin and was administered iv 50ml in a 50ml saline solution.

It will be placed in my hospital medical notes and I will inform my GP surgery of the same. I will also inform my pharmacist who has helped both my wife and myself in the past.

Incidentally I am also allergic to Methotrexate and Tramadol.

[PMRpro in reply to Albasain]

Have you considered a medicalert bracelet? In case of emergencies when you are alone and unconscious for example? It's horrible to contemplate but it can happen.