Mold allergies & first generation cephalosporins

[JanineG67]

After all this time of relying on this website (thank you - :redbeathe this site!) - I have my first post! I'm wondering if cephalosporins are safe to give to someone with a mold allergy. Now this is not to say they are allergic to penicillin - at least that is not spelled out, so am I to assume that if one is allergic to molds they should steer clear of cephalosporins such as Ancef?

Many thanks to anyone who can assist this confused student nurse!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

allergy to household molds is inhaled. The drug is synthesized from the mold's although not the molds found in the home. AND there is a cross sensitivity with Pennicilln also made from molds.......interesting. After a lengthy search I have found NO evidence there is a cross sensitivity....but I see your point. I would ask a pharmacist.....interesting thought like the cross sensitivity with peanut allergy and atrovent inhailer......I'm going to keep looking.

thanks...:)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalosporin

YOu know what post this in the CRNA section...

[shakedwnst924]

Not saying this is the right answer so don't quote me on it, but I'll tell you what I think & why:

I think it's safe. When PCN first came out, it was developed from mold. That mold is found in the environment and can cause an allergic response. Here's the kicker: PCN & Cephalo are now made synthetically & are no longer developed from contaminated mold in the environment. Since it's not made from "real mold" anymore (thank God!), I see no reason why an individual would have an allergic rxn to the PCN &/or Cephalo that is administered today.

[shakedwnst924]

Hah! Esme beat me to it! At least we're on the same page, & I agree it's a really good question, definitely something I'd never though of. Good thinkin' cap usage! :)

[JanineG67]

Many thanks to you both and spot on - synthetics are safe! :)