Sexual Intercourse Can Trigger Drug Reaction

Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A July 1, 2007

Q. I am currently taking amoxicillin for a sinus infection but my wife is allergic to penicillin. Is there any possibility that she would have a bad reaction if we had unprotected sex?

A. There are reports in the medical literature of women reacting to a medicine in their husband’s semen. The concentration is usually very low, but for sensitive people, even a little exposure can be risky. Over 20 years ago we heard from a reader who reported the following reaction:

"I know this sounds bizarre, but I’m convinced I have been reacting to the penicillin my husband has been taking for a strep throat. When I was 10 I had an allergic reaction to penicillin. Last week I experienced hives and wheezing soon after we made love.”

Men may also react to medicines their wives are taking. It would be prudent to use a condom.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

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