Drug-Related Adverse Events

Possible adverse events may occur from antibiotic treatment. Some may result in additional medical visits, tests, or cost. They may even require hospitalization or be life-threatening.

Toxicity

• Toxicity can occur due to improper dosing or impaired drug metabolism.

Side Effects

• Most side effects are known and generally predictable.
• Mild side effects may include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nonpruritic rashes, including diaper rashes.
• Severe side effects may include C. difficile colitis.

Allergies/Hypersensitivity Reactions

• IgE-mediated allergies may include symptoms such as hives/urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.
• Non–IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions can be severe (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis).

See Is It Really a Penicillin Allergy? and antibiotic allergy resources ncluded in this EQIPP course for more information about antibiotic allergies.