More Comments on the Ampicillin Rash Problem

Abstract

We agree with Dr. Sokoloff that patients developing a maculopapular (also called morbilliform or exanthematous) rash after initiation of ampicillin therapy need not automatically be labeled "allergic to penicillin" without additional evidence to that effect. However, we do not agree that ampicillin can later be administered with impunity to these individuals. Two "types" of rash commonly occur in response to amplicillin exposure: urticarial and maculopapular, while others such as erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, purpuric, eczematous, and vesiculobullous are relatively rare.