Which drug is recommended for a patient with a severe allergic reaction to Penicillin?

Study for the Respiratory Therapy Pharmacology Test. Excel with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

In the case of a severe allergic reaction to penicillin, the appropriate drug choice is one that minimizes the potential for cross-reactivity with penicillin while still providing effective treatment for bacterial infections.

Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is typically recommended in such scenarios because it has a different structure and mechanism of action compared to penicillin and is less likely to elicit an allergic response in patients with penicillin allergies. Macrolides are suitable alternatives for treating various types of infections, particularly in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to penicillin or its derivatives.

Other antibiotics listed may not be as suitable due to their possible similarities in structure to penicillin. For instance, ceftazidime is a cephalosporin, and there can be significant cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporins in patients with penicillin allergies. Aztreonam is a monobactam that is often considered safe for those allergic to penicillin; however, its use may be limited based on the type of infection being treated. Clindamycin is another option that avoids the penicillin family but might not be the first choice in all cases.

Therefore, erythromycin stands out as a reliable alternative for a patient with

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy