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1: J Fam Pract. 2006 Feb;55(2):106-12.Click here to read Links

Cephalosporins can be prescribed safely for penicillin-allergic patients.

Pichichero ME.

University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Michael_pichichero@urmc.rochester.edu

The widely quoted cross-allergy risk of 10% between penicillin and cephalosporins is a myth. Cephalothin, cephalexin, cefadroxil, and cefazolin confer an increased risk of allergic reaction among patients with penicillin allergy. Cefprozil, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone do not increase risk of an allergic reaction.

PMID: 16451776 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Cephalexin (Keflex® Pulvules® )

    Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia and bone, ear, skin, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral i...

  • Cefuroxime (Ceftin® , Zinacef® )

    Cefuroxime is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as bronchitis; gonorrhea; Lyme disease; and infections of the ears, throat, sinuses, urinary tract, and skin. Cefuroxime is in a class of medication...

  • Cefadroxil (Duricef® )

    Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as skin, throat, and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

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  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information