Amoxicillin Rash

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic frequently used for bacterial ear infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. Augmentin is the brand name for amoxicillin-clavulanate, which also contains amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin rash occurs in 5-10% of people who take amoxicillin. Though it looks dramatic, it is harmless, and it is not an allergy. It typically occurs 2-14 days after starting the antibiotic, so it may not happen until after your child finishes the course of antibiotics. It doesn’t usually happen again with subsequent rounds of antibiotics.

This rash looks like small pink spots on the chest, abdomen, back, face, arms and legs. They aren’t usually itchy. This rash is not contagious and the child can go to school. It usually goes away in 1-6 days, whether or not you stop the antibiotic. This rash is not a reason to stop the antibiotic. If you are concerned, please take photos and contact us.

How to tell if it’s an actual allergy

Rarely, someone is truly allergic to amoxicillin. An allergic reaction would happen within a few hours of the first dose, and usually involves raised itchy hives that move around (changing shape and location), or more seriously, breathing or swallowing difficulty. If there are hives, please contact us urgently. If there are breathing or swallowing problems or swelling in the face or mouth, call 911.