Pharmacoepidemiol Risk Manage.  2024 Mar;16(1):18-28. 10.56142/perm.24.0004.

Penicillin Allergy Delabeling

• Song SJ
• Kang HR
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2556389
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.56142/perm.24.0004

Abstract

Penicillin allergy labels are associated with significant challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, restricted prescribing options, and negative outcomes for both patients and health care systems. However, only 10% of individuals labeled as penicillin allergic are found to be truly allergic after formal assessment. The evaluation process for a penicillin allergy encompasses a detailed allergy history, often followed by skin testing, and drug challenge. Researchers have suggested assessment tools and clinical decision rules for risk stratification for efficient and precise removal of incorrect penicillin allergy labels. In particular, patients categorized as low risk based on the assessment may undergo direct challenge test with penicillin, a practice supported by accumulating evidence. This comprehensive approach, emphasizing history taking and risk stratification, highlights the important role of healthcare providers in reducing the burden related to penicillin allergy labels. This review aims to understand the process of penicillin allergy evaluation and potential benefits of delabeling.

Keyword

Penicillin allergy; Delabeling; Allergy assessment; Risk stratification; Drug challenge