The Antibiotic prescribing in children with reported penicillin or cephalosporin allergy CPG is a new topic and has been reviewed by the CPG committee.
The Key points for the CPG are
- A detailed drug allergy history should be taken to help make appropriate antibiotic choices
- Children with a history of an immediate or severe reaction to either a penicillin or cephalosporin should avoid drugs from both β-lactam classes
- Children with a history of non-immediate and non-severe reactions can be prescribed an antibiotic from an alternate β-lactam class
- Drug allergy testing (drug challenge or skin testing) should take place in controlled settings