Understanding Penicillin Allergies: What Every GP Should Know

In this video, Simon and Helen discuss penicillin allergies and their impact on patient health. Many people believe they are allergic to penicillin, but only 1% actually are. Mislabeling can cause longer hospital stays and an increased risk of infection. GPs should only label patients as allergic if it is accurate. If a patient has a penicillin allergy label, they are at a higher risk for complications. If a patient believes they have an allergy, GPs should try to get the diagnosis right by asking about the severity of the reaction and tracking back to what happened. If there was no history of severe reactions or hospital admissions, GPs may consider a smaller dose as a trial.
Watch the video to learn more about penicillin allergies and what every GP should know.
Referenced in the video:
Wilcock M, Powell N Challenges of delabelling penicillin allergy Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2021;59:163-164.
dx.doi.org/10.1...
The patient who reports a drug allergy
BMJ 2020; 368 doi: doi.org/10.113... (Published 14 January 2020)
BMJ 2020;368:l6791

[@drasad19]

Very helpful
Thank you