Can You Take A Z-Pak If You Have A Penicillin Allergy?

Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out! I'll provide some more detail in the sections below, but yes, azithromycin (Z-Pak) is typically fine to take if you have a documented penicillin allergy. These antibiotics are in different drug classes and studies have shown there is no cross-reactivity between them.

Azithromycin And Penicillin Are Different Types Of Antibiotics

As mentioned, the two antibiotics in question here are in different drug classes.

Penicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, while azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic.

While it is true that some sensitivities/allergies can cross over between drug classes (penicillin-type drugs and cephalosporins are a good example of that). Several studies have confirmed that if a patient is allergic to penicillin, a macrolide, like azithromycin, may be a good choice:

This antibiotic [azithromycin] is therefore a valid alternative to penicillin and/or cephalosporin in patients allergic to these two drugs.

Depending on what you are being treated for, you likely have a number of antibiotic options if you can't take penicillin (e.g. Macrolides, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, sulfamethoxazole etc...). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacy know of your allergies, so if penicillin were to be prescribed, your allergy can be noted and an alternative antibiotic be given.

Final Words

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