Adjunctive and Prophylactic Use of Antibacterial Agents in Dentistry
Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions, characterized by maculopapular to exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema, and rarely, anaphylaxis may occur with all antibacterial agents, but especially with the β-lactams.^{37,61,70,77,105} Allergic reaction to the penicillins is more likely to occur in individuals with sensitivity to multiple allergens and in those with asthma; and patients with a history of allergy to the penicillins have experienced allergic reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Rare instances of erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported with clindamycin and azithromycin.^70,77