β-lactam<unk>  are indicated for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. At first, β-lactam<unk>  were mainly active only against Gram-positive bacteria, yet the recent development of broad-spectrum β-lactam<unk>  active against various Gram-negative organisms has increased their usefulness. Adverse effects Adverse drug reactions Common adverse drug reactions for the β-lactam<unk>  include diarrhea, nausea, rash, urticaria, superinfection (including candidiasis). Infrequent adverse effects include fever, vomiting, erythema, dermatitis, angioedema, pseudomembranous colitis. Pain and inflammation at the injection site is also common for parenterally administered β-lactam<unk> . Allergy/hypersensitivity Immunologically mediated adverse reactions to any β-lactam<unk> may occur in up to 10% of patients receiving that agent (a small fraction of which are truly IgE-mediated allergic reactions, see amoxicillin rash). Anaphylaxis will occur in approximately 0.01% of patients. There is perhaps a 5–10% cross-sensitivity between penicillin-derivatives, cephalosporins, and carbapenems; but this figure has been challenged by various investigators. Nevertheless, the risk of cross-reactivity is sufficient to warrant the contraindication of all β-lactam<unk>  in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions (urticaria, anaphylaxis, interstitial nephritis) to any β-lactam<unk>  Rarely, allergic reactions have been triggered by exposure from kissing and sexual contact with a partner who is taking these<unk> . A Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction may occur after initial treatment of a spirochetal infection such as syphilis with a β-lactam<unk>
Beta-lactam antibiotics
Quinolone antibiotic
Steroid
Antiarthritics
Broad-spectrum antibiotic
Antibiotic
Lipase inhibitors
Polypeptide antibiotic