CHAPTER 13 CEPHALOSPORINS IN PENICILLIN-ALLERGIC PATIENTS

Cross-reactivity and Tolerability of Cephalosporins in Patients with Immediate Hypersensitivity to Penicillins

Romano A, Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Viola M, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2004;141(1):16–22

BACKGROUND

Penicillins and first-generation beta-lactams are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, and frequently cited as a common cause of severe allergic reactions. Neither patient-reported history, nor penicillin skin tests reliably predict allergic reactions in patients with a history of penicillin allergy, and little consensus existed regarding whether administration of cephalosporins to such patients is safe. Inappropriate use may result in anaphylaxis while underuse when cephalosporins are indicated may result in increased cost, reduced effectiveness, or increased antimicrobial resistance. At the time of this study, estimates of sensitization to cephalosporins in patients with documented IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to penicillins varied.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cross-reactivity in patients with documented IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to penicillins.

METHODS

Related posts:

Oral vs. IV Rehydration Missed ACS in the ED tPA in Acute MI: The Gusto Trial Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest Early Goal-directed Therapy in Sepsis Risk of Serious Bacterial Infection in Febrile Infants with RSV

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join