Cephalosporins allergy

Allergy Cephalosporins cause a range of allergic reactions from skin rashes to anaphylactic shock. These reactions occur less frequently with cephalosporins than with penicillins. Complete cross-hypersensitivity between different cephalosporins should be assumed. Cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins is incomplete (5-10%), so penicillin-allergic patients are sometimes treated successfully with a cephalosporin. However, patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillins should not be treated with a cephalosporin. 

The nurse should not administer cephalosporins if the patient has a history of allergies to cephalosporins or penicillins. 

Some types of allergic reaction, for example immediate or delayed-type skin allergies, serum-sickness-like reactions and anaphylactic reactions, may occur in a proportion of patients given penicillin treatment. There is some, but not complete, cross-allergy with cephalosporins. 

Broad-spectrum antibiotic cefotaxime or ceftriaxone (clindamycin for cephalosporin allergy) vancomycin for staphylococcal and resistant pneumococcal organisms... 

Broad intravenous antibiotic coverage for the encapsulated organisms can include ceftriaxone or cefotaxime. For patients with true cephalosporin allergy, clindamycin may be used. If staphylococcal infection is suspected owing to previous history or the patient appears acutely ill, vancomycin should be initiated. Macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin and azithromycin, may be initiated if Mycoplasma pneumonia is suspected. While the patient is receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics, their regular use of penicillin for prophylaxis can be suspended. Fever should be controlled with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Because of the risk of dehydration during infection with fever, increased fluid may be needed.6,27... 

Traditionally, high-dose penicillin G was the treatment standard for meningococcal disease. However, increasing penicillin resistance requires that third-generation cephalosporins now be used for empirical treatment until in vitro susceptibilities are known.23 Patients with a history of type I penicillin allergy or cephalosporin allergy may be treated with vancomycin. Treatment should be continued for 7 days, after which no further treatment is necessary. 

As such, patients with penicillin allergies should be treated with a first-generation cephalosporin (if non-type I allergy), a macrolide/azalide, or clindamycin. Recurrent infections caused by reinfection, poor adherence to therapy, or true penicillin failure can be treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin, or penicillin G benzathine.45... 

Because GAS historically has been the primary causative organism, penicillin has been the mainstay of therapy. O However, the incidence ofS. aureus impetigo is increasing, so oral penicillinase-stable penicillins or first-generation cephalosporins are now preferred.3 Erythromycin is an alternative choice when penicillin allergy is a concern. Topical mupirocin may be used alone when there are few lesions.3... 

In uncomplicated cases, prompt oral antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin or a first-generation cephalosporin halts the progression of lymphangitis. Clindamycin may be used if the patient has a significant (1-lactam allergy. Intravenous antibiotics (penicillinase-stable penicillins, first-generation cephalosporins,... 

Verify the patient s allergy history and the type of reaction experienced. Attempt to discern between true allergy and adverse event. (3-Lactam-allergic patients may receive clindamycin, vancomycin, or other antimicrobials. Crossreactivity between penicillin allergy and cephalosporins is low but cephalosporins should be avoided in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillins. 

If a patient has a mild, delayed allergy to penicillin, first-generation cephalosporins are effective alternatives but should be avoided in patients with an immediate-type hypersensitivity reaction. 

Serious infections should be treated intravenously with a penicillinase-resistant penicillin (nafcillin) or first-generation cephalosporin (cefazolin). Patients with penicillin allergies should be treated with vancomycin or clindamycin. 

Penicillins and cephalosporins bind irreversibly to serum albumin. It has been shown that drug-protein conjugates result from the aminolysis of the /3-lactam bond by the e-amino group of lysine residues in the protein (Fig. 5.1, Pathway e). The bound penicilloyl group appears to be the major antigenic determinant of penicillin allergy [145-148],... 

Cefditoren (Spectrac ) [Antibiotic/Cephalosporin-3rd Generation] Uses Acute exacCTbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis skin Infxns Action 3rd-gen cqjhalosporin -I- ceU wall S5mth Dose Adults Feds >12 y Skin 200 mg PO bid X 10 d Chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis 400 mg PO bid X 10 d avoid antacids w/in 2 h take w/ meals X in renal impair Caution [B, ] Renal/hqiatic impair Contra C halosporin/PCN allergy, milk protein, or carnitine deficiency Disp Tabs SE HA, N/V/D, cohtis, nephrotox. 

Uses Infxns of the resp tract, skin, bone, urinary tract Action 3rd-gen cephalosporin -1- cell wall synth Dose Adults. 400 mg PO daily-bid Peds. 8-20 mg/kg/d PO daily—bid -1- in renal impair Caution [B, +] Contra Cephalosporin allergy Disp Susp SE N/V/D, flatulence, abd pain Interactions t Nqjhrotox W/ aminoglycosides, loop diuretics t effects W/ nifedipine, probenecid EMS t Risk of nephrotox w/ loop diuretics monitor for signs of electrolyte disturbances and hypovolemia d/t D monitor pt for super Infxn OD May cause N/V/D, Szs, muscles spasms symptomatic and supportive... 

Because of cross-reactions between cephalosporins and penicillins, caution should be used when prescribing cephalosporins to patients with penicillin allergy. If a patient had anaphylaxis, angioedema, or urticaria fol-... 

Cephalosporins are sensitizing and may elicit a variety of hypersensitivity reactions that are identical to those of penicillins, including anaphylaxis, fever, skin rashes, nephritis, granulocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia. However, the chemical nucleus of cephalosporins is sufficiently different from that of penicillins so that some individuals with a history of penicillin allergy may tolerate cephalosporins. The frequency of cross-allergenicity between the two groups of drugs is uncertain but is probably around 5-10%. However, patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillins should not receive cephalosporins. 

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