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Evaluation of Penicillin Allergy in the Hospitalized Patient: Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship

  • Anaphylaxis and Drug Allergy (DA Khan and M Castells, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Penicillin allergy is often misdiagnosed and is associated with adverse consequences, but testing is infrequently done in the hospital setting. This article reviews historical and contemporary innovations in inpatient penicillin allergy testing and its impact on antimicrobial stewardship.

Recent Findings

Adoption of the electronic medical record allows rapid identification of admitted patients carrying a penicillin allergy diagnosis. Collaboration with clinical pharmacists and the development of computerized clinical guidelines facilitates increased testing and appropriate use of penicillin and related β-lactams. Education of patients and their outpatient providers is the key to retaining the benefits of penicillin allergy de-labeling.

Summary

Penicillin allergy testing is feasible in the hospital and offers tangible benefits towards antimicrobial stewardship. Allergists should take the lead in this endeavor and work towards overcoming personnel limitations by partnering with other health care providers and incorporating technology that improves the efficiency of allergy evaluation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy & Immunology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390-8859, USA

    Justin R. Chen & David A. Khan

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  1. Justin R. Chen
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Correspondence to David A. Khan.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Anaphylaxis and Drug Allergy

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Chen, J.R., Khan, D.A. Evaluation of Penicillin Allergy in the Hospitalized Patient: Opportunities for Antimicrobial Stewardship. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 17, 40 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-017-0706-1

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