Children react to medicines in different ways. Some kids may get a rash from medicines that include:
Alternative and herbal medicines, such as echinacea
Antibiotics such as cephalosporins (including Omnicef and Keflex), penicillin, or sulfonamides (such as Bactrim)
Anti-seizure medicine, such as carbamazepine, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, phenytoin, and zonisamide
Barbiturates, such as mephobarbital, metharbital, and phenobarbital
Contrast dyes used in X-rays and MRIs
Pain medications that have codeine or dyes.
If your child gets a rash after starting a new medicine, schedule a visit with the pediatrician. It''s important that the rash is assessed - and that if it is a result of the medication, it becomes part of your child''s medical record.
The doctor may suggest giving your child an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine. If your child gets a rash from a non-prescription medicine, stop giving it immediately. Call your doctor if you need suggestions for a different drug.
