Final answer:
Carbapenems may cause allergic reactions in individuals with penicillin allergies due to the ß-lactam ring they share, and are typically avoided in these patients to prevent cross-reactivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbapenems, like penicillins, contain a ß-lactam ring in their molecular structure and can induce allergic reactions in individuals with penicillin allergy. This is due to the potential for cross-reactivity between the ß-lactam antibiotics. While the exact rate of cross-reactivity can vary, patients with a history of severe penicillin allergy are at higher risk of a reaction if given carbapenems. Therefore, they are generally avoided in individuals with known penicillin allergies. Additionally, due to the rise of resistance, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), it is critical to use these antibiotics judiciously to preserve their effectiveness against multi-drug resistant organisms.