Penicillin Allergy Assessment

Select one category of reaction based on the history.

All inpatients with a history of antibiotic allergy should be screened in hospital, and permanently de-labeled when appropriate.

The unnecessary use of broader spectrum antibiotics in patients with reported beta-lactam allergies is associated with the development of drug resistant bacteria and healthcare associated infections such as Clostridiodes difficile diarrhea.

Many previous reactions are misclassified as allergy, and beta-lactams can be safely administered.

Penicillin hypersensitivity declines over time, rendering the majority of patients non-allergic after 10 years.