A CASE REPORT OF SUSPECTED ANGIOEDEMA IN A CHILD AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF MEBENDAZOLE, COTRIMOXAZOLE AND LEAF EXTRACTS

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Pharmacovigilance

Background:

• Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a critical public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
• Children face heightened vulnerability to ADRs due to communication challenges regarding their drug therapy experiences.
• Factors contributing to pediatric ADRs include polypharmacy, especially with anti-infectives and NSAIDs, and the concurrent use of traditional medicines.

Observation:

• Pediatric patients often struggle to articulate their experiences with drug therapies, complicating the identification of adverse events.
• The prevalence of polypharmacy, involving multiple medications, is a significant risk factor in pediatric ADRs.
• Concomitant use of traditional medicines, common in various cultural contexts, further elevates the risk profile for adverse drug reactions in children.

Findings:

• Cutaneous drug allergy emerges as a frequent clinical manifestation of adverse drug reactions in pediatric cases.
• Specific drug classes, including anti-infectives and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are frequently implicated in pediatric ADRs.
• The interaction between conventional pharmaceuticals and traditional medicines presents a complex challenge in managing pediatric drug safety.

Implications:

• Enhanced pharmacovigilance strategies are crucial for early detection and management of ADRs in children.
• Healthcare providers should exercise caution regarding polypharmacy and the use of traditional medicines in pediatric patients.
• Public health initiatives should focus on educating caregivers and healthcare professionals about the risks and recognition of pediatric ADRs, especially cutaneous manifestations.