1 active alert Show

2025 Magnet® Redesignation Feedback

The Magnet® designation for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center is the pre-eminent recognition for hospital systems in the United States.

ChristianaCare Health System was designated as a Magnet organization in 2010, 2015, and 2020 by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and are now applying for redesignation.

We invite patients, family members, staff, and other interested parties to provide feedback via email or direct mail. For more information, please click here.

Antibiotic Use

Penicillin Allergy

Antibiotics and penicillin allergy

Are You Allergic to Penicillin? What is an allergy? Are You Allergic? What can you do? Resources

Are You Allergic to Penicillin?

If you think that you might have an allergy to penicillin, you’re not alone. About 10 percent of people in the U.S. have been told they had an allergic reaction to penicillin or a related antibiotic (amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalexin, cefdinir, etc.). However, 9 out of 10 people told they have an allergy can actually take penicillin or a related antibiotic safely.

What is an Allergy?

It is your body’s overreaction to a substance that is harmless to most people. This immune response can cause itchy hives, swelling, tightness in the throat, or shortness of breath. Severe reactions include anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition that can cause you to stop breathing.

If you have had an allergy to penicillin, this may go away over time. Scientific studies have found that 8 out of 10 people with a severe penicillin allergy lose their sensitivity after 10 years, meaning these people will no longer react to penicillin.

What Can Happen if You're Allergic

People with penicillin allergies are typically given different (alternative) antibiotics. These types of antibiotics may not work as well, often cost more, or may be associated with unwanted side effects including a life-threatening illness that causes severe diarrhea called Clostridioides difficile (also known as “C. diff”).

What Can You Do?

Discuss your penicillin allergy with your healthcare provider. Be prepared to answer the following questions:

What was the reaction? Did you experience hives or shortness of breath?
If you had a rash, was it raised (hives) or flat?
How long ago did the reaction occur?
How did you or a healthcare provider manage the reaction?
What happened? What was the outcome?
What medicine did you take when the reaction occurred?
If you are allergic to a penicillin, have you ever taken other antibiotics such as cephalexin (Keflex), cefazolin (Ancef), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefpodoxime (Vantin) or cefadroxil (Duricef)?

What Can Your Doctor Do?

Your healthcare provider may be able to rule out your allergy based on your history or ask you to see an Allergist to rule out a severe reaction. An allergist may do a skin test or a have you try a dose of an antibiotic by mouth depending on the situation.