Meropenem

PulmCrit (EMCrit)

Anaphylaxis to penicillins isn’t a contraindication to meropenem

PulmCrit - October 24, 2016 by Josh Farkas 

• "Meropenem doesn’t cause anaphylaxis.
• Meropenem probably isn’t cross-allergic with penicillin, due to structural differences in its side chains and beta-lactam core.
• It is widely quoted that patients with penicillin allergy have a ~1% risk of reaction to meropenem. This information is based on non-validated skin testing to meropenem, which is probably incorrect.
• Prospective studies have proven the safety of giving meropenem to patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin."