Sudden suspected anaphylactic shock after multiple tolerated doses of piperacillin-tazobactam: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND

The most well-known adverse reaction of penicillins is anaphylactic shock, which mostly occurs within the first few minutes of the initial administration. However, cases of sudden anaphylactic shock that develop after multiple consecutive doses with no prior adverse events are extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents a case of sudden suspected anaphylactic shock in a 20-month-old toddler following several consecutive days of uneventful administration of piperacillin-tazobactam.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores that the sensitization phase of β-lactam antibiotics may remain occult throughout the entire course of treatment. The absence of severe adverse reactions during early drug administration does not eliminate subsequent hypersensitivity risks, which emphasizes the imperative for clinicians to implement rigorous monitoring during each administration to safeguard pediatric medication safety.