Can I Take Keflex If M Allergic To Penicillin

My doctor gave me keflex, I received the generic drug for it. When I was 5 or 6 I had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin...trouble breathing and hives and my parents had to take me to ER. I think I've used keflex before but I'm not sure. Just want to make sure it's ok. Should I take it and have a reaction, would I be proactive by having benedryl nearby? Thank you!

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Hello, Tiffany! How are you?

Keflex contains the active ingredient Cephalexin, so it's a different medication. But yes, if you have ever had an allergy problem, you can't go wrong by keeping Benadryl around, just in case, as long as it's safe for you to take.

Side effects to this antibiotic may include nausea, dizziness, non-allergic skin rash and diarrhea.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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I'm 72 yr old male, in 1968 I had a reaction to penicillin, throat was closing, had trouble breathing, was leaving Doctor Office receiving shot of penicillin for pneumonia, I was driving and about 2 miles down the road, I started choking and gasping for breath, an ambulance was called and I was rushed to the ER Code 3 while the Paramedics administered oxygen, and took vitals, after arriving I was given a shot and told it was a reaction to penicillin and that I should never take it again as long as I live. I again reacted when a Allergist evaluated me for allergies in 1985, I told the Doctor about my reaction and was told i may not be allergic anymore, well after few minutes after the diagnostic, I had a reaction of choking and trouble breathing, high heart rate, dizzy, the Doctor called 911 and gave me a shot. After arriving at the hospital the Doctor met me there, and told me that it was the diagnostic and to never be tried again. Recently I had a root canal and the Dentist prescribed Cephalexin after telling him about the penicillin reaction. My question is, would it probably be safe to take the Cephalexin? I'm reluctant to take it. Thank you for you response.

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