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 your child 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 can make this more likely to happen?
Your child is at a higher risk for an adverse drug reaction if taking more than one drug at a time. The risk is also higher if you are not sure how much of each drug to give your child. This can lead to a drug error. Some illnesses may affect how well your childs body handles drugs. Very young children, especially those under 5 years of age, are at a higher risk. ‚
What are the main signs?
It may be hard to know if your childs signs are caused by an illness or a drug. Talk with the doctor about all of your child's signs, especially if your child is feeling worse. ‚
Some adverse drug reactions you might notice: ‚
- Headache
- Belly problems like upset stomach, stools that are too hard or too soft
- Dizziness
- Feeling sleepy or drowsy
- Joint pain
Also watch for signs of drug allergy, such as: ‚
- Rash or itching
- Hives
- Swelling, especially of the tongue, lips, eyes, face
- Feeling dizzy
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
If your child is having trouble breathing or you see swelling of your child's lips or face, call your child's doctor or local Emergency Room right away. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat your childs reaction based on the signs and the illness. You may be told to stop giving the drug or give a different drug. The reaction may go away on its own. The doctor may give your child some other drug to treat the reaction. Sometimes, your child may need to stay in the hospital if it is a very serious reaction. ‚
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. If you do not understand the directions, ask to talk to the pharmacist.
- 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 a drug for one child may not be the same for another child. A child's dose may change with his weight and age.
- 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, have your child wear an allergy ID at all times.
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.
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. ‚