Approximately 10% of all U.S. patients report having an allergic reaction to a penicillin class antibiotic in their past. 10% of the population reports a penicillin allergy but 1% of the whole population is truly allergic. People with a penicillin allergy on their medical record are not given penicillin, and may not be given any beta-lactam antibiotics because of concern that the allergy is shared across the antibiotic class. Instead, the antibiotics prescribed may be broader-spectrum. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be as effective, but they often have more side effects and toxicities, such as increased risk of developing infections like C. diff (Clostridioides difficile, formerly called Clostridium difficile) or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Our guests Christopher M. Bland, Pharm.D., FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS, Clinical Professor, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy and

Bruce M. Jones, Pharm.D., BCPS, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy will join us to discuss antibiotics, the different types, diagnostics, diagnosis, and the Impact of Penicillin Allergy on a C. difficile Infection.