Managing Epinephrine Side Effects in Children with Allergies

Allergic reactions in children are quite common and typically occur in response to the exposure to a particular outdoor substance. For children who experience other types of allergies, such as food allergies, the complications of daily living can be far more challenging as food intake often has to be closely monitored. If your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy, it is important to understand not only what treatment is provided for the allergic reaction but also what side effects your child may experience.

Epinephrine is the drug most commonly given to children who are at-risk for fatal outcomes in response to a food allergy. As a drug that is designed to promote circulation and blood flow, epinephrine is typically administered by self-injection but may cause some degree of side effects. If your child is using epinephrine, especially at school or in other locations where you may not be present, it is important to educate those involved in the care of your child about the possible side effects your child may have when the epinephrine is administered.

One of the most common side effects of epinephrine, and typically the one children complain of most, is the jittery feeling induced after the injection of epinephrine is given. Your child may, in fact, describe the feeling as one that is similar to consuming many caffeinated drinks. If your child has these complaints, this is normal and you can expect the symptoms will dissipate over time. Although, because the heart is forced to beat faster, as the medication wears off, your child may become extremely tired and lethargic. Should the epinephrine be used at school, you should advise the nurse's office that your child may need to sleep in the school nurse station for a few minutes to recover or, in many cases, be sent home to rest for the remainder of the day.

If you find that your child's reactions to epinephrine are quite severe, this may be indicative of a dosing that is too high and consultation with your child's prescribing doctor is recommended. In most cases, your child can take a smaller dose and often realize the same results however you will want to be sure the allergic reaction is being well controlled.

Anaphylactic shock is the key risk associated with a severe food allergic reaction and can affect a child no matter where they are, but especially when there are out of your presence and may eat something they are not supposed to. Using epinephrine is recommended but, as a parent, it is important to become familiar with the side effects of the drug and educate those who will be administering the medication should your child experience a health risk while out of your care.

Sources: Understanding and Managing Your Child's Food Allergies, by Scott H. Sicherer, M.D., pp. 128-130.