Cephalosporins pediatric patients

It has also been reported that patients with allergic-like events after penicillin treatment have had a markedly risk of events after subsequent cephalosporin antibiotics. Cross-reactivity is not an adequate explanation for this increased risk and the data obtained indicate that cephalosporins can be considered for patients with penicillin allergy <2006MI354.ell>. Comparisons of parenteral broad-spectrum cephalosporins have been tested against bacteria isolated from pediatric patients. The results have indicated that cefepime has been the most broad-spectrum cephalosporin analyzed and it is a very potent alternative for the treatment of contemporary pediatric infections in North America <2007MI109>. The historical safety of the most commonly used oral cephalosporins has been reviewed <2007MIS67>. The antimicrobial spectrum and in vitro potency of the most frequently prescribed orally administered cephalosporins (cefaclor, cefdinir, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, cefuroxime axetil and cephalexin has also been reviewed <2007MIS5>. 

Anderson JA. Cross-sensitivity to cephalosporins in patients allergic to penicillin. Pediatr Infect Dis 1986 5(5) 557-61. 

Serum drug concentrations should be monitored for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices and ehminated largely by the kidney (e.g., aminoglycosides and vancomycin) to optimize therapy in pediatric patients with renal dysfunction. For drugs with wide therapeutic ranges (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins), dosage adjustment may be necessary only in moderate to severe renal failure. 

Pichichero ME. A review of evidence supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for prescribing cephalosporin antibiotics for penicillin-allergic patients. Pediatrics 2005 115 1048-1057. 

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