Drug Allergy Testing

Penicillins are a group of antibacterial drugs designed to target specific types of bacteria. These drugs were the first of their kind, and their discovery and use have helped save millions of lives. Penicillins can be used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including pneumonia, ear infections, scarlet fever, and more.

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A small percentage of patients have a penicillin allergy. This allergy can cause hives, wheezing, and facial swelling. Florida ENT Associates offers penicillin allergy testing to help ensure you are able to use penicillin safely.

How Testing Is Performed

Testing is performed through one of two methods. The first method is a skin test. During a skin test, your provider will administer a small amount of penicillin onto your skin using a needle.

If you are allergic to penicillin, red, sometimes itchy, raised bumps will appear. If the skin test is not possible or the results are inconclusive, a graded drug test may be used. With this treatment method, you will receive small doses of penicillin and gradually increase your intake. One of our providers will carefully monitor this to ensure you remain safe throughout the process.

Benefits of Penicillin Drug Allergy Testing

Prevent, or stop allergic reactions
Confirm a suspected penicillin allergy
Reaffirm a previous diagnosis
Testing methods tailored to your needs
A short in-office procedure
Provides a confirmed diagnosis

About Florida ENT Associates

Florida ENT Associates offers specialized ENT care and state-of-the-art treatments. For over 20 years, we’ve been providing patients with comprehensive care tailored to treat their unique symptoms and concerns. We offer care in all areas of the ENT field, including the ears, sleep, audiology, and allergy. Our goal is to provide each patient with:

Personalized Treatment

Our providers take the time to understand each of your symptoms, ensuring your condition receives the attention it deserves.

Top-rated Physician Network

We’ve built a provider network staffed with professionals from all corners of ENT care. Our goal is to ensure you always see a well-versed provider in your area of concern.

Continuity of Care

Our physicians believe in finding long-term care solutions for each of the symptoms impacting your daily life.

Community Investment

Florida ENT Associates is proud to have become part of the Central Florida community and will always strive to help our neighbors when we can.

Your Penicillin Allergy Testing Experience

Your unique testing experience will depend on the type of test used. The two most common testing methods are:

Skin testing

Using a small needle, your provider will administer a small amount of penicillin to the skin. A positive reaction will begin to appear on the skin if you are allergic. This includes red, itchy, and raised bumps along the surrounding area.

Graded challenge

This test can be used if skin testing is not possible or if the skin test result is uncertain. During this test, you will receive up to five doses of penicillin, with the dosages increasing incrementally. You will be closely monitored as you take each dose to ensure no severe reactions occur. If you reach the final dose without a reaction this indicates you are not allergic.

If you are found to have a penicillin allergy, your provider may recommend another type of medication.

Penicillin Drug Allergy Testing FAQ

How do I know if I am a candidate for testing?

After discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history, our providers will determine if you are an ideal candidate for penicillin allergy testing.

Are there other medications available if I am allergic to penicillin?

Yes. There are other medications available that can be used in place of penicillin.

Can my Barranco Clinic provider help me find a different option if I’m allergic to penicillin?

Yes. If your testing reveals that you are allergic to penicillin, our providers can help prescribe a new safe medication for you.

Who is a candidate for testing?

Candidates include patients who take penicillin and have a suspected allergy, those who have been prescribed penicillin, or those who have a previous penicillin allergy diagnosis.