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Anthrax and antibiotic allergy

October 18, 2001


Dear Allergy Nurse

If you are allergic to penicillin and Ceclor, could you have a reaction to Cipro? And, if it is likely that you will have a reaction to Cipro what other alternative do you have against anthrax? -- Carolyn, California

When serious infections occur, we do a "Culture and Sensitivity" test to determine which antibiotics (also known as antimicrobrial drugs, or antibacterial agents) can fight the bacteria. The test indicates "high," "moderate," or "low" sensitivity to the various antibiotics. I've seen many of these lab reports, and always there have been several antibiotics that the bacteria was sensitive to.

People allergic to penicillin are thought to have greater chance of being allergic to Ceclor and other cephalosporins. Cipro, a fluoroquinolone, is generally considered safe for penicillin allergic individuals. Cipro, penicillin, and doxycycline (a synthetic derived from tetracycline) are all approved by the FDA for treatment of Anthrax. Allergy to one of these drugs does not prevent treatment by another.

The danger lies in resistant strains of bacteria. We encourage people to not use antibiotics for viruses or colds, and to finish antibiotic prescriptions even if they feel well. Bacteria not killed by the antibiotic in the first days of therapy may already be more hardy than that which was destroyed. By "warding off" the offending antibiotic, remaining bacteria may be able to develop permanent resistance to the antibiotic.

Because of the current threat, we are publishing this issue a few days early, and including a much longer list of footnotes below than we normally provide. Each is linked to other websites that offer more help in this area.

See also:
Penicillin, antibiotic, and medication allergy


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Working to help you,

Your Allergy Nurse

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References:

  1. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA], May, 2002.
  2. FDA Pushes Anthrax Drug Options InteliHealth Harvard Medical School's Consumer Information, October 18, 2001
  3. Cross-reactivity of beta-lactam antibiotics, Baylor University Medical Center, BUMC Proceedings 2001;14:106-107
  4. Drug of the Moment: Cipro, Time Magazine, Time Inc. October 18, 2001
  5. Background on Antibiotic Resistance, Centers for Disease Control, US Department of Health and Human Services
  6. Bacterial Resistance - Why Antibiotics Don't Work, National Consumers League

Links Updated 5/28/04