OTC Children's Medications & Their Hidden Side Effects

Unless you or your child has had an obvious reaction to a medication, most parents rarely read the full warning blurb on the bottles and boxes of their children's medication. But even if they did read them, it wouldn't inform them very well of all the known side effects of that drug, as most labels refer you to their website for the complete list. Often the website list is also incomplete, and you are asked to send a request by mail to receive a booklet with all of the legal discolsure information. 

Most people trust that if a drug is on the shelf or prescribed by their doctor, it must be safe, so they don't question it too much. But many side effects look just like the symptoms of a child who doesn't feel well, like fussiness, upset tummy, trouble sleeping, aggression, constipation, diarrhea, moodiness, irritability, and crying such as due to a headache, which a young child can't express verbally. Many side effects are usually disregarded for that very reason, and so parents use the medication over and over with no idea of the adverse reaction their child is having to it. 

The best way to minimize the risk of side effects is to be very conservative when administering medications to a child. Always read labels, websites and literature and carefully monitor your child after administering a dose, checking for reactions and keeping a log. Never hesitate to contact your health care professional if you suspect your child is experiencing a side effect. Educate yourself on natural and herbal remedies that are safer and more gentle for children with minor illnesses. Try using a certified and licensed Holistic Practitioner or Naturopath. Of course you should always check with your doctor before giving your child any herb or substance that they have never had before.      

Aside from food dyes like Red 40 which cause a whole host of behavior and health problems all by themselves, and are commonly found in children's medication... 

Medications taken for such things as pain, allergies or asthma may have other less known, more hidden side effects that affect behavior such as:

Singulair  per their website has these side effects:

“SINGULAIR may cause serious side effects. Behavior and mood-related changes have been reported: agitation including aggressive behavior or hostility, bad or vivid dreams, depression, disorientation (confusion), feeling anxious, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there), irritability, restlessness, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts and actions (including suicide), tremor, and trouble sleeping. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms while taking SINGULAIR.”

Children’s Benadryl per drugs.com has these side effects:

“Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, and throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.”

Claritin for Children per emedtv website has these side effects:

“In children, side effects include hyperactivity and stomach pain. Side effects are typically minor and easily treated. However, some side effects are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider right away, such as breathing problems or signs of an allergic reaction.”

Children’s Motrin per drugs.com has these side effects:  

“Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.”

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

Children’s Advil Chew-able Tablets per drugs.com has these side effects:

“Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.”

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

Please Note:There is a complete list of common over the counter drugs and their possible side effects at Drugs.com