About this topic
An adverse drug reaction is effects of the drug that may not be wanted and may be harmful. It may be a new problem or a known side effect of the drug. There may be a reaction because of how your childs body handles the drug he is taking. ‚
Any drug can cause a reaction. Your child may have a problem with a drug that the doctor orders or with a drug that you buy over the counter. A drug reaction can happen at any time during treatment. A drug allergy is one kind of adverse drug reaction. A drug allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to the drug. ‚
An adverse reaction may happen right away after your child takes a dose or after your child has been taking the drug for a long time. It can even happen after your child stops taking the drug. The reaction can be mild or more serious. A mild reaction may cause an upset stomach. A very bad reaction may damage the liver or kidneys. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- The doctor may stop your childs drug. The doctor may give your child some other drug to treat the reaction. Follow your doctor's orders.
- Call your doctor if you think your child is having an adverse drug reaction.
If your child is having trouble breathing or you see swelling of your child's lips or face, get your child to the Emergency Room right away. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to treat the signs caused by the adverse drug reaction. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Give your child drugs only when your doctor tells you to do so.
- Give your child drugs only when needed.
- Carefully read the label on the drug. Give as directed on the label. Make sure you understand the directions.
- Make sure you give your child the right dose of a drug. Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
- If you are not sure how much drug to give your child, do not guess. Ask your pharmacist or childs doctor how much to give your child.
- Never give your child someone else's drug.
- The amount of drug for a child will often change based on the child's age and weight. The dose you give to one child may not be the same for another child.
- Keep track of the time when you give your child a drug. Make sure you know when the last dose was given.
- Put the cap back on all drugs. Store them out of reach of children and pets.
- Use only one pharmacy for all your child's drugs.
- If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills
- Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness
- Upset stomach, throwing up, loose or hard stools
- Rash, itching
- Joint pain
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Swelling, especially of the lips or eyes
Helpful tips
Before you give your child a new drug, ask your childs doctor or pharmacist these questions: ‚
- How will this drug help my child?
- How much drug do I give my child?
- How often will I give this drug?
- How long will my child be taking this drug?
- Are there special directions for giving this drug?
- Are there side effects from this drug?
- What should I do if my child has side effects?
Tell your child's doctor about: ‚
- All of the drugs your child is taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
- Any problems your child has had with any drugs in the past.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you questions to ask before I give my child a new drug.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has trouble breathing, an upset stomach, rash, or joint pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/medications-and-drug-allergic-reactions.aspx ‚
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/english/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/default.aspx ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=524 ‚
CDC ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/MedicationSafety/parents_childrenAdverseDrugEvents.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/prescription-medicines/drug-reactions.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚