Sensitization to chloramphenicol; a persistent problem

Hypersensitivity reactions to non beta-lactam antimicrobial agents, a statement of the WAO special committee on drug allergy

Antibiotics are used extensively in the treatment of various infections. Consequently, they can be considered among the most important agents involved in adverse reactions to drugs, including both allergic and non-allergic drug hypersensitivity [J Allergy Clin Immunol 113:832–836, 2004]. Most studies published to date deal mainly with reactions to the beta-lactam group, and information on hypersensitivity to each of the other antimicrobial agents is scarce. The present document has been produced by the Special Committee on Drug Allergy of the World Allergy Organization to present the most relevant information on the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, possible mechanisms, and management of hypersensitivity reactions to non beta-lactam antimicrobials for use by practitioners worldwide.

Allergic contact dermatitis to topical antibiotics: Epidemiology, responsible allergens, and management

Topical antibiotics are widely used to treat cutaneous, ocular, and otic infections. Allergic contact dermatitis to topical antibiotics is a rare but well-documented side effect, especially in at-risk populations. The purpose of this article is to review the epidemiology, responsible allergens, and management of allergic contact dermatitis to topical antibiotics.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

After completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe the epidemiology of allergic contact dermatitis related to topical antibiotics; show knowledge of the most common allergenic topical antibiotics; and understand the allergenic cross-reactivity pattern amongst topical antibiotics.