Drug Allergy in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

A drug allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to something in a medicine. This causes an allergic reaction. Your child may have:

• Skin problems, such as hives, a rash, or itching.
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, and throat.
• Trouble breathing.
• Belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

A reaction can range from mild to deadly.

Your child may always be allergic to that medicine and to others like it.

Drug allergies are not the same as side effects and drug interactions. Side effects are reactions to medicines that aren't caused by the immune system. Drug interactions occur when two or more medicines that your child takes don't work well together in your child's body.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine medicine, such as an epinephrine shot or nasal spray, to carry in case your child has a severe reaction. Learn how to give your child the medicine, and keep it with your child at all times. Make sure it has not expired. Teach your child how to give themself the medicine if they are old enough. Be sure your older child always carries it.
• Go to the emergency room every time your child has a severe reaction. Go even if you have used the epinephrine medicine and your child is feeling better. Symptoms can come back after taking the medicine.
• If your child was given a medicine for an allergic reaction, give it exactly as directed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Avoid giving your child medicines like the one that caused the allergy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you think your child may be taking a similar medicine.
• If your child has a mild skin rash or itching from the allergy:
  • Dress your child in light clothing that does not irritate the skin.
  • Use calamine lotion. Or ask the doctor about giving your child a nondrowsy antihistamine, such as loratadine (Claritin). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Give your child a cool shower or bath.
  • Do not use strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals. They can make itching worse.
• Have your child wear medical alert jewelry that lists their allergies. You can buy this at most drugstores.
• Be sure that anyone treating your child for any health problem knows that your child is allergic to this medicine.

When should you call for help?

Use an epinephrine medicine, such as an epinephrine shot or nasal spray, if:

• You think your child is having a severe allergic reaction.
• Your child has symptoms in more than one body area, such as mild nausea and an itchy mouth.

After giving an epinephrine medicine, call 911, even if your child feels better.

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
  • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
  • Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Passing out (losing consciousness). Or your child may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
  • Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. (A baby with pain or nausea may be really fussy and not stop crying.)

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
  • A rash or hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
  • Itching.
  • Swelling.
  • Mild belly pain or nausea.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.