Phenergan Warning
Phenergan is a medication that is used to stop children from vomiting. Unfortunately, it can have unintended side effects, including drowsiness and respiratory depression. There have also been reports of deaths in children under age 2 years who have taken Phenergan. This recently lead the FDA is issue a statement that states that the use of Phenergan is contraindicated in children under age 2 years. They also reported that caution should be used when giving Phenergan to older children and reminded doctors that antiemetics are not recommended for the treatment of children with uncomplicated vomiting.Antidepressant Warnings
The warnings about antidepressants and an increased risk of suicide were among the most concerning to parents. After all, untreated depression itself can increase your risk of suicide and there aren't many good alternative treatments for children. It is important to note that children can still be prescribed antidepressants and that none of the children in the trials that prompted the warning actually successfully committed suicide. So after weighing the risks and benefits, if an antidepressant is prescribed to a child, he or she should be closely observed to make sure that they don't get worse, become suicidal, or have any unusual behavior changes.And remember that Prozac is the only antidepressant approved to treat major depression in children. Other antidepressants, like Zoloft, Luvox, and Anafranil, are also FDA approved to be used in children, but only for OCD.
Motrin and Advil
The possible reports that Motrin and Advil can cause serious reactions, including blindness and even death, were the most surprising to parents. Most parents likely don't think twice before using one of these medicines to treat their child's pain, fever, or inflammation.It is important to note that the news reports were about lawsuits and not official FDA warnings. The two most recent lawsuits claim that Motrin and Advil caused children to have Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Although many medicines, including those with ibuprofen, are known to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome, there are many other causes, including infections, and the exact trigger is not always known. If you also consider that the risk of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is low, many children take Motrin and Advil without problems, and that they often are necessary when other medications, like Tylenol, aren't effective, then you likely don't need to remove ibuprofen from your medicine cabinet.
If you are concerned about these medicines, be sure to talk to your Pediatrician, and consider using Tylenol as your first line medication to treat your child's pain or fever.
Other Drug Warnings
In addition to recent warnings that you are likely to be familiar with, you should also be aware of these drug warnings:- Accutane - because of the risk of birth defects and other serious side effects, including mental problems and suicide, this medicine used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne, should only be used when the benefits outweigh the risks
- Aspirin - should not be given to children and teens because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Remember that baby aspirin and children's aspirin are not really meant to be given to children, except for certain specific conditions when prescribed by a doctor.
- Kaopectate - contains bismuth subsalicylate, which like aspirin, may raise a child's risk of Reye's syndrome
- Lotrisone - a combination steroid and antifungal lotion and cream, which should not be used to treat diaper dermatitis
- Tetracyline - which can cause permanent tooth discoloration and slow bone growth and should not be given to children under age 8 years
