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The treatment goal is relief of symptoms and preventing a severe reaction.
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Antihistamines usually relieve mild symptoms (rash, hives, itching). Topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) corticosteroids may also be recommended. Bronchodilators such as albuterol may be prescribed to reduce asthma-like symptoms (moderate wheezing or cough). Epinephrine by injection may be necessary to treat anaphylaxis.
The offending medication should be avoided. Health care providers -- including dentists and hospital personnel -- should be advised of drug allergies before treating the allergic patient. Identifying jewelry or cards (such as Medic-Alert or others) may be advised.
Occasionally, a penicillin allergy responds to desensitization (immunotherapy) in which increasing doses (each dose of the drug is slightly larger than the previous dose) are given to improve tolerance of the drug. This should only be done by a doctor.
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