Self-reported allergy to parenterally administered penicillin

Abstract

Introduction: Penicillin and penicillin products are in use in everyday medical practice. The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions are those to penicillin. New penicillin allergies occur more often with parenteral than oral treatment. In patients who are allergic to penicillin, prescribed therapy is more often the one of antibiotics of broad spectrum, and this therapy is more expensive. The allergies to penicillin are immunologically mediated. Scope of Study: to present patients' self-reported allergy to penicillin and report on types of adverse reactions following the parenteral administration of penicillin. Methodology: Retrospective study of the work of one physician in the City Institute for EMS Belgrade in the period from 2017 to 2018 involving 2481 patients. Results: There were 242 patients who reported they were allergic to penicillin, of which 160 were able to explain what happened after they were given parenteral penicillin. The cohort group was between 18-85 years old, average age 49.64 ± 17.24, while 65% of them were females. Most frequently reported adverse reactions were rash, redness and itching of the skin, loss of consciousness, swelling of the face, mouth, arms or body in general. Serious reactions have been reported in about 40% of cases. Conclusion: There is a large percentage of self-reported allergies to penicillin, and only a small number of those who experienced serious adverse reactions: swelling, unconsciousness, coma or shock.