Did you know that 90% of people who are labeled allergic to penicillin are able to take it?
Antibiotic Allergy Facts
- Penicillin class allergies are common. About 10% of the US population report a penicillin allergy but less than 1% of the US is truly allergic to penicillin.
- Around 80% of patients, who are labeled allergic, may not experience a reaction 10 years or more after their first reaction.
- Reactions to other drugs may also occur but may not be an allergic reaction or life threatening.
- Types of other reactions may include:
- Adverse reactions. Examples of non-allergy adverse reactions are nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Rashes typically starting several days after the antibiotic
- More serious fevers, joint pain, rash that bruises or lasts for many days
Children’s Hospital Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology offers an Antibiotic Challenge Clinic focused on evaluation and testing for drug allergies.
Call 412-692-7885 to schedule an appointment to see if your child is a candidate for testing or challenge. Online Scheduling is also available for both in-person and video visits.
What To Expect
Initial evaluation is often best completed through a virtual visit in which the provider will take a detailed history and discuss testing and treatment options.
If appropriate, your child will be scheduled for an in-person appointment which may take several hours.
During your child’s in person visit we may:
- Review your child’s history
- Complete skin prick and/or intradermal testing to evaluate for IgE mediated allergy
- Offer an oral challenge to the medication
- Observe your child in clinic after the challenge for signs of allergic reaction
Contact the Division of Allergy and Immunology to set up your virtual appointment 412-692-7885. Online Scheduling is also available for both in-person and video visits.
