An easier method of determining whether someone is indeed allergic to penicillin

A less complicated method of testing for real penicillin allergy

Typically, the initial step in confirming a penicillin allergy is to perform a skin test. In the absence of a response, the individual is then administered a challenge of oral penicillin, consisting of progressively increasing doses, with the intention of diagnosing or excluding an allergy. Traditionally, this is performed in the office of an allergist. Nevertheless, only a minority of individuals undergo formal oral challenge and skin test testing.

As of now, a study published in the September 2023 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that an oral penicillin challenge given in any doctor's office is a reliable way to find out if someone has an allergy.

In this study, 377 patients who self-reported having a low-risk penicillin allergy—typically a rash—in response to the use of a penicillin-based antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin, pure penicillin, or amoxicillin with clavulanate) were enrolled. A traditional skin test was followed by the oral penicillin challenge for the remaining participants, of which approximately half received only the oral penicillin challenge.

Only 0.5% of the patients in each group showed clear symptoms of an allergy to penicillin, according to the findings of the study. The results indicate that individuals who have experienced a moderate reaction to penicillin may be able to detect a potential allergy through an oral challenge conducted in a medical practitioner's office, obviating the need for skin testing.