Antibiotic Rash

What is an antibiotic rash?

An ampicillin, amoxicillin, or Augmentin rash is a skin rash that occurs when a child is taking one of these medicines. The rash usually appears on the 5th day after the child starts taking the medicine, but may appear earlier or as late as the 16th day.

Symptoms of the rash include:

• pink or red spots
• small, flat, nonitchy spots
• always on the main body (trunk)
• may spread to the face.

What is the cause?

5% to 10% of children taking ampicillin or amoxicillin get a skin rash. This is a harmless rash and does not mean that your child has an allergy to ampicillin, amoxicillin, or other penicillin drugs. An allergic reaction causes more severe symptoms than a mild rash.

How long does it last?

The rash usually lasts 3 days, with a range of 1 to 6 days.

How is it treated?

No treatment is necessary. Keep your child on the ampicillin or amoxicillin until the medicine is gone. The rash will disappear just as quickly whether or not your child continues the medication. Your child can take ampicillin or amoxicillin in the future when necessary and probably won't get a rash the next time.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call during office hours if:

• The rash changes to hives.
• The rash becomes itchy.
• The rash lasts more than 6 days.
• You have other concerns or questions.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, MD, author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.