Oral penicillin challenge information leaflet

Information about oral penicillin challenge

Why have I been offered an oral penicillin challenge?
We reviewed your medical records and discussed any reactions you may have had before to penicillin.

An oral penicillin challenge is the best way to help determine whether it is safe for you to take penicillin and we can remove the penicillin allergy label.

You will only be offered this test if the healthcare team believes it is safe and appropriate for you and that there is a very low chance of an allergic reaction.

What are the benefits of having the test?
If the test shows that it is safe for you to have penicillin and you no longer need the penicillin allergy label:
  • we will remove the penicillin allergy label from your healthcare records
  • if penicillin antibiotics are the best treatment for an infection, then we will give them in future
  • this means you would have more antibiotic treatment options available in the future.
What does the test involve?
The test involves taking a dose of penicillin while you are in hospital. Your pulse, blood pressure and any symptoms will be monitored for a short time afterwards.

At the end of the test, the healthcare team will discuss the result with you.

Are there any risks?
As with any medicine, there is a small chance of side effects such as feeling sick or developing an allergic reaction. You will only be offered this test if the healthcare team believes you have a very low chance of an allergic reaction.

During the test you will be monitored by healthcare professionals who are trained in recognising and treating allergic reactions.

Do I have to have the test?

No. It is completely your choice. A member of the healthcare team will discuss the test with you and answer any questions you may have before you decide whether to go ahead with the test. Your decision will not affect your ongoing care.

What are the possible outcomes?
There are two possible outcomes:

    1. Remove the penicillin allergy label because it is no longer needed

If you do not have an allergic reaction during the test:

  • we will remove the penicillin allergy label from your healthcare records
  • inform your GP of the outcome of the penicillin allergy assessment
  • give you written information explaining what this means for your future care.

    2. Retain the penicillin allergy label

If the test confirms that you have a penicillin allergy:

  • we will leave the penicillin allergy label on your healthcare records
  • inform your GP of the outcome of the assessment
  • give you written information explaining what this means for your future care.
Questions?
Please speak to a member of your healthcare team if you have any questions about the oral penicillin challenge test or what the results may mean for you.

See the downloadable version of the oral penicillin challenge information leaflet.

Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG) | August 2026 for review Aug 2029

Content update October 2026