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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffIt isn't clear why some people develop penicillin allergies while others don't. However, certain people seem to be at greater risk of developing a penicillin allergy than others are.
You may be at higher risk if:
- You're between the ages of 20 and 49
- You've taken penicillin frequently
- You have HIV/AIDS
- You have cystic fibrosis
- You've had allergic reactions to penicillin or another drug in the past
References
- Yates A. Management of patients with a history of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics. The American Journal of Medicine. 2008;121:572.
- Solensky R. Allergy to penicillins. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2009.
- Karabus S, et al. Penicillin allergy in children. Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 2009;22:64.
- Solensky R. Patient information: Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 24, 2009.
- Inamdar R, et al. Penicillin hypersensitivity. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/members/allied_health/articlesofinterest/penicillin.stm. Accessed September 24, 2009.
- Pegler S, et al. In patients allergic to penicillin, consider second and third generation cephalosporins for life threatening infections. British Medical Journal. 2007;335:991.
