Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Report: Emergency Department Visits Involving Adverse Reactions to Medications among Children Aged 12 or Younger

摘要

Parents and caregivers give medications to children for preventive care and when children are sick. Although these medications--which can often include immunizations, prescription drugs, or over-the- counter (OTC) medications--are given to prevent or cure illnesses or conditions, sometimes adverse drug reactions (e.g., skin rashes, nausea, vomiting) occur, typically resulting from allergic reactions. Because of physiological differences and smaller size, young children are at a higher risk for adverse drug reactions than most adults. Further, caretakers may not know whether young children are experiencing an adverse reaction because children may not be able to verbalize how they feel.