antibiotic allergy

Etiology

• type 1 hypersensitivity
• hypersensitivity to side chains of cephalosporins
  • cephalosporins with different side chains do not result in hypersensitivity

Complications

• common & potentially life-threatening skin reactions in HIV patients treated with Bactrim for Pneumocystis carinii
  • early warning signs of erythema or maculopapular rash
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome may occur if warning signs ignored

Differential diagnosis

• idiosyncratic reaction
  • glossitis
  • gastritis
  • abdominal cramps
  • diarrhea
  • dysgeusia
  • nausea/vomiting
• rash or urticaria
  • may be due to infectious process, not an allergy
  • higher prevalence of skin reactions to penicillins in patients with
    • cystic fibrosis
    • HIV

Management

• desensitization if no effective alternative

More general terms

• type 1 hypersensitivity; immediate hypersensitivity (allergy)

Additional terms

• adverse drug reaction (ADR)
• antibiotic therapy