TY - JOUR AU - Dias, Liliana AU - Pedrosa, Cláudia PY - 2022/04/04 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Cross-allergy between penicillins and cephalosporins: a paradigm shift JF - NASCER E CRESCER - BIRTH AND GROWTH MEDICAL JOURNAL JA - REVNEC VL - 31 IS - 1 SE - Review Articles DO - 10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v31.i1.21607 UR - https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/21607 SP - 31-37 AB - <p class="p1">Allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics are the most common cause of allergic drug reactions. The incorrect diagnosis prevents patients from receiving a highly effective therapy.</p><p class="p1">The potential cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporin has very significant therapeutic implications. Penicillins and cephalosporins share a common beta-lactam ring and side chains. A number of studies indicate that the R1 side chain, rather than the ring itself, is the determining factor for cross-reactivity.</p><p class="p1">Herein is presented a review of the immunologic mechanisms implicated in penicillin and cephalosporin cross-reactivity and a practical approach to the use of cephalosporins in patients allergic to penicillin.</p> ER -