PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsMedium
A pharmacy technician is performing a final check on a prescription for 'cephalexin 250 mg, take 1 capsule by mouth every 6 hours' for a patient with a known penicillin allergy. What action should the technician take?
- ACheck the patient's insurance for coverage.
- BAdvise the patient to take the medication with food.
- CDispense the medication as prescribed.
- DAlert the pharmacist due to potential cross-reactivity.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Alert the pharmacist due to potential cross-reactivity.
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. While the risk is low, there is a possibility of cross-reactivity between penicillins and first-generation cephalosporins like cephalexin, especially in patients with severe penicillin allergies. The pharmacist must review this for patient safety.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Insurance verification is a separate process and doesn't address the immediate safety concern of a drug allergy.
- B. Taking with food is a general administration instruction, not relevant to the allergy concern.
- C. Dispensing without pharmacist review in this scenario could be dangerous due to potential allergic reaction.
Penicillin-Cephalosporin Cross-Reactivity
There is a structural similarity between penicillins and cephalosporins (both beta-lactam antibiotics) that can lead to allergic cross-reactions, particularly with first-generation cephalosporins, in patients with penicillin allergies.
- Risk is higher with first-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin).
- Risk is lower with second- and third-generation cephalosporins.
- Pharmacist consultation is essential for patient safety with penicillin allergies.
Memory trick: Allergy alerts mean 'Stop' and 'Consult' the expert.