Children drugs and adverse reactions

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Genelex website:

Adverse

drug reactions in children and adolescents.

Few drugs are tested in children prior to release. Many are used (off label) in

pediatric populations. For example, only Prozac (fluoxetine) has been approved

for use in children, yet many others are also prescribed.

-The FDA recently released an analysis of previous studies showing

that suicidal tendencies doubled in children taking antidepressants compared to

placebo resulting in a black box warning being added to antidepressant's

required labeling. (NEJM 351:16 2004)

-While the rate of adverse drug reactions in children is lower

than in adults, children with severe medical conditions are the most affected.

(Drug Sensitivity 27:819 2004)