September 29, 2009 in children, drug reactions, medicine, Miscellaneous, side effects by Jerry H. Trachtman

Bad Drug Reactions in Kids

According to a study released in the October issue of Pediatrics, national statistics based on visits to clinics and ER's between 1995 and 2005 indicate that more than half a million children a year in the U.S. have bad reactions or adverse side effects from widely used medications which are prescribed for administration at home by the parents. Children under 5 years old are most commonly affected, often requiring medical treatment and sometimes hospitalization. The most problems seem to be caused by Penecillin and other prescription antibiotics, which cause rashes, stomach aches, and diarhhea. Five percent of the children in the study were sick enough to require hispitalization, and there were no deaths in the study. The study involved reactions to prescribed drugs used for ailments including ear infections, strep throat, depression and cancer. Parents of young children should be particularly careful when giving liquid medicine, and pay attention to doses prescribed in drops, teaspoons or milliliters. Before leaving the pharmacy with medicine for your child, be sure you understand exactly how to give the medicine, especially if it is liquid medicine.