Current opinions on penicilin and other beta-lactam antibiotic allergies

Beta-lactam antibiotics have been commonly used in general pediatrics practice since their inventions. But, allergic reactions to beta-lactams represent the most frequent cause of immunological drug reactions and lead to concerns both in doctors and parents when they are used. Unfortunately, these reactions may be induced by all beta-lactams available, including penicillins, cephalosporins, aztreonam and carbapenems. Parents' and clinicians' concerns about penicillin allergy constrains beta-lactam antibiotic usage in daily practice and therefore increase undesirable and more expensive antibiotic use, such as vancomycin. Because of these reasons all physicians especially, pediatricians should know all aspects of beta-lactam allergies.