An update on adverse drug reactions related to β-lactam antibiotics.

An update on adverse drug reactions related to β-lactam antibiotics. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2018 Apr 10;: Authors: Vardakas KZ, Kalimeris GD, Triarides NA, Falagas ME Abstract INTRODUCTION: β-lactams have been consistently associated with the majority of drug-related adverse events. Generally, these are mild under proper dosing and judicious selection. Areas covered: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are the most feared adverse events encountered after β-lactam administration. Emerging evidence shows that immediate reactions are not as common as previously thought. Specialist consultation and testing seems prudent before a patient is officially declared allergic to β-lactams. The risk of cross-reactions between not only members of the β-lactam super-family but also between specific classes is also lower than previously thought. Newer studies have shown that cross-reactions are not universal and pertain to specific agents with similar side chains or metabolites of the β-lactam core. The frequency of severe kidney or liver toxicity, neurotoxicity, cytopenias and Clostiridium difficile infection following β-lactam administration seem to be agent-specific. Expert opinion: The currently available data denote that in addition to age, gender, co-morbidity, renal or liver function, and co-administered agents, the antibiotic levels rather than the dose itself seem to be associated with the emergence of adverse events. Most of them su...
Source: Expert Opinion on Drug Safety - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Expert Opin Drug Saf Source Type: research