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 life-threatening.

After your child has an allergic reaction to a medicine, they 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 expected, possible bad effects or reactions to medicines that aren't caused by the immune system. They are not usually serious. Drug interactions occur when two or more medicines that your child takes don't work well together in your child's body. Some people may confuse side effects and drug interactions with drug allergies. Talk to your child's doctor if you think your child has a problem with a medicine.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Know the signs of a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis). These include a combination of 2 or more of the following:
  • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
  • Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Passing out (losing consciousness). Or your child may feel very light-headed or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
  • Fast heartbeat.
• Your doctor may prescribe a shot of epinephrine (sometimes called an Epi-pen) to carry in case your child has a severe reaction. Learn how to give your child the shot, and keep it with you at all times. Make sure it has not expired. Teach your child how to give a shot if your child is old enough. Be sure your older child always carries it. Let others who care for your child know about their allergy and when and how to use the epinephrine.
• Go to the emergency room every time your child has a severe reaction. Go even if you have used the shot of epinephrine and your child is feeling better. Symptoms can come back after a shot.
• If your child was given a medicine for an allergic reaction, give it exactly as directed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line 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 to check all other medicines that your child takes to make sure they can continue taking them.
• 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.
  • Give your child a non-drowsy antihistamine, such as cetirizine (Reactine), desloratadine (Aerius), loratadine (Claritin). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Give your child a cool shower or bath. Avoid hot baths or showers as they will make the rash temporarily worse.
  • Do not use strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals. They can make itching worse.
• Have your child wear medical alert jewellery that lists their allergies and anaphylaxis reaction. 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.