Medication Allergies - Know the answers to these questions

Just started giving your child a new medication and (s)he has developed hives, difficulty breathing, fever, swelling of the lips or eyes, an itchy rash, or anaphylaxis? Chances are your child has been exposed to this medication (or an ingredient of this medication) in the past. Note that sometimes it is the inactive ingredient (for example, the dye, preservative, filler of the tablet) that is the culprit. Medication allergies are rarely fatal, but they can be scary and do warrant immediate attention, especially if your child appears to be struggling to breathe. If your child has a history of severe allergies and has an Epi-Pen, use it as directed and call 911. If it is a mild reaction, a dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is all that is necessary to relieve the symptoms. Be sure to contact your child's pediatrician or allergist beforehand.

To help confirm that the reaction was a true drug allergy, a detailed history is crucial. Be prepared to answer these questions: When did the reaction occur? What drugs were you giving your child? How soon after taking the drugs did your child have the reaction? What kind of reaction did your child have? How severe was the reaction, and how long did it last? If your child had a rash, did it blister, peel, or cause ulcers in the mouth, vagina, or rectum? Has your child since taken that drug or one like it without a reaction?

Sometimes a side effect (or intolerance to the medication) is mistakenly labeled as an "allergic reaction." For example, having an upset stomach, diarrhea, or rash to a penicillin are common side effects and they resolve on their own, even when the medicine is continued. Attributing these to an allergic reaction could pose problems in the future, especially if the best course of therapy involves a penicillin. Optimal therapy may end up being delayed as your child is being desensitized to the medication. So, talk to your child's doctor and pharmacist to clarify whether what your child is experiencing is a side effect or an allergic reaction. Also, if your child is allergic to shellfish, soy, eggs, cross-sensitivity to certain medications and vaccines is possible. Be sure to alert your doctor and pharmacist about these food allergies so that they can be updated on your child's medication profile.