Penicillin Allergy – Chicago

Penicillin

is the oldest and still one of the most widely used antibiotics in the world.

Although penicillin is one of the most common medications to cause an allergy, the majority of people who have been labeled “penicillin allergic” may not actually be allergic to penicillin or may have lost their allergy over time. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 85% of patients that describe themselves as penicillin allergic will have negative skin tests and can safely receive penicillin.

Pre-pen is a penicillin extract that has recently been approved by the FDA for use in penicillin skin testing. After taking a detailed medical history, your doctor may decide to perform penicillin skin testing to assess whether you are likely to still be allergic to penicillin. If your skin tests are negative, your doctor may then perform an oral challenge to the actual penicillin medication. The overwhelming majority of patients with negative penicillin skin tests will be able to tolerate penicillin and other related antibiotic.