American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Penicillin Allergy? Think again.  

While 10% of patients in the United States have a penicillin allergy listed in their electronic medical record, fewer than 1% are actually allergic. Therefore millions of patients are missing out on the standard of care treatment every time they are prescribed an alternative antibiotic, if penicillin would otherwise be the recommended first line treatment.  

With appropriate risk assessment, the majority of patients can be de-labeled without skin testing. De-labeling improves patient outcomes, reduces healthcare expenditures, and helps in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. 

Every healthcare provider can help achieve these important goals by asking why the patient has this label in their medical record. Visit the AAAAI Penicillin Allergy Center for more information, and ask your patient or your patient's parent or guardian about the penicillin allergy label in the patient's record. If you want to refer the patient for testing, visit Find An Allergist at www.aaaai.org.  

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is the leading membership organization of more than 7,100 allergists / immunologists (in the United States, Canada and 72 other countries) and patients' trusted resource for allergies, asthma and immune deficiency disorders. This membership includes allergist / immunologists, other medical specialists, allied health and related healthcare professionals—all with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases.