Download Good Prescribing Tip of the fortnight

Avoid errors when prescribing antibiotics in penicillin allergic patients (for electronic and paper prescribing):
Good Prescribing Tip of the fortnight
(this prescription has been re-written to maintain the anonymity of the prescriber)
This is a prescription for an adult patient, can you spot the error?
The error:
This patient has been prescribed co-amoxiclav
which contains amoxicillin (a penicillin). However
it is contraindicated because this patient has a
history of a severe allergy to penicillin.
A suitable alternative for this indication (in
penicillin allergy) can be found in the ICHT Adult
Treatment of Infection Policy
Administration of a penicillin-based drug to a patient with a severe hypersensitivity reaction to a penicillin can be fatal
Prescribing tips:

ICHT Adult Treatment of Infection Policy
uses a ‘traffic-light’ system to help
antibiotic prescribing in penicillin
allergic patients:
RED drugs are contra-indicated
AMBER drugs to be used with caution
GREEN drugs are safe

In clinical areas refer to the Documented
Penicillin Sensitivity Poster

Establish the nature of any allergy as it
will guide the prescribing decision

Download the Adult Antibiotic App
onto your smartphone here
For paper prescribing:

Write allergies and nature of the allergy
on the drug chart and notes
For electronic prescribing on Cerner:

Complete the allergy section and click ‘ok’ to save changes

To view details of a patient’s allergies, click on the ‘Allergies’ tab:
Remember to use your name-stamp or print your name when prescribing
You can view previous Good Prescribing Tips on The Source at http://source/source/policies/medicinesmanagement/goodprescribingtips/index.htm
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FY1s and FY2s, have you lost your name-stamp or require a refill? Email [email protected] to order one
Seetal Jheeta on behalf of the Pharmacy Good Prescribing Team (18/11/15 vfinal)