Allergy Resources
Unconfirmed penicillin allergies and the use of alternative (second-line) antimicrobial agents have been associated with treatment failure, higher incidences of C. difficile, and longer hospital stays.
Cefazolin does not share a side-chain with any other beta-lactam and can be used in nearly all cases of beta-lactam allergies (unless the patient has a cefazolin allergy). The majority of patients (>80%) with a severe beta-lactam allergy no longer have an allergy and are able to tolerate beta-lactam antibiotics within 10 years. |
Cross Reactivity Chart: Beta-lactam (PDF)
System-wide Provider Education: Penicillin Allergy (PDF) System-wide Risk Assessment and Clinical Pathway (PDF) Northwestern Memorial Hospital Graded Challenge Guidance Document (PDF) Northwestern Memorial Hospital NM West Region Beta-lactam Allergy Algorithm (PDF) Beta-lactam Allergy Questionnaire (PDF) |