Cephalosporins can be prescribed safely for penicillin-allergic patients.
The widely quoted cross-allergy risk of 10% between penicillin and cephalosporins is a myth. Cephalothin, cephalexin, cefadroxil, and cefazolin confer an increased risk of allergic reaction among patients with penicillin allergy. Cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone do not increase risk of an allergic reaction.
Pichichero
Michael E
ME
University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Michael_pichichero@urmc.rochester.edu
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D006801:Humans; D010406:Penicillins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D010406:Penicillins