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)

Northwestern Medicine
Antimicrobial and Diagnostic Stewardship Program

Allergy Resources

Northwestern medicine βeta-Lactam Cross-reactivity Side-Chain chart

Northwestern Medicine Antimicrobial and Diagnostic Stewardship Program