Anaphylaxis to Cephaloridine in a Nurse Who Prepared Solutions of the Drug

Abstract

Cephalothinand cephaloridine, semisynthetic derivatives of 7-amino-cephalosporanic acid, have been used extensively for the successful management of infections produced by staphylococci sensitive and resistant to penicillin G, other gram-positive organisms, and some species of gram-negative bacteria.^1-5These agents have frequently been employed when penicillin allergy has been present. Although a lack of cross-reaction between these classes of antibiotics has been noted by some investigators, others have described instances in which cross-allergenicity appeared to be present.^3,6Since the cephalosporin derivatives may themselves induce hypersensitivity, it may be difficult or impossible to prove that a reaction developing during their administration to penicillin-sensitized individuals is indicative of cross-reactivity. This is especially so if the untoward effect does not appear until the third or fourth day of therapy or later. A reaction developing after the first dose of either type of agent in a person known to be sensitive to one is