Drug allergies in infants

Drug allergies in infants: What you need to know

Allergic reactions to medications in infants are relatively rare, but they can be very serious. The child's immune system is still immature, and any new drug is a potential allergen for them. It is important to distinguish true drug allergy from side effects or individual intolerance.

How does a drug allergy manifest?

Most often the reaction appears on the skin. It can be:

• Urticaria: The most common manifestation. Sudden appearance of itchy wheals.
• Morbiliform or maculopapular rash: Usually develops on day 5-10 of taking the medication.
• Quincke edema: Swelling of the lips, eyelids, which is a dangerous sign.

In the most severe cases anaphylactic shock may develop — a systemic reaction with a drop in blood pressure and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention.

Most common "culprit" drugs

In children under one year of age, allergic reactions are most often triggered by:

• Antibiotics: Especially the penicillin group (amoxicillin, amoxiclav) and cephalosporins.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen. Less often — paracetamol.
• Some vitamin preparations or herbal syrups because of excipients (colorants, flavorings).

It is important to remember that many pediatric infections themselves are accompanied by rash. Sometimes a rash that appears during treatment of a URI is a manifestation of the viral infection itself, not an allergy to the antipyretic syrup. Only a doctor can sort this out.