Inpatient β-lactam test-dose protocol and antimicrobial stewardship in patients with a history of penicillin allergy.

Background: Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported drug allergy in hospitalized patients, resulting in increased second-line antibiotic use, nosocomial infections, and health care use. Given that most patients are not truly allergic, a safe strategy that empowers the admitting physician is needed.

Objective: To assess the effect on antibiotic prescribing practices for hospitalized patients with penicillin allergy using a validated intervention.