AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Question I am allergic to penicillin. Should I take cephalexin?
Answer Jill
For the majority of individuals who are allergic to penicillin, there is no cross-sensitivity to cephalosporins like Cephalexin. However, there is a small percentage of individuals where they do have allergy to both.
If the infecting organism has been shown by the laboratory to be only sensitive to cephalosporin, then many would probably prescribe erythromycin or another appropriate antibiotic, rather than face the small risk.
That said, at some point it could be more important to know the true status of allergy to cephalosporin.
My advice would be to discuss the choice with your doctor and base any decision on the lab evidence for the infection being treated.
