CONNECTICUT – A bad reaction to a prescribed or over the counter (OTC) drug is every parent’s worst nightmare. How do you know if that reaction is an allergy or a common side effect?

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian offers a series of tips to help parents to monitor any reaction to a medication, whether prescription or not.

1. His first tip is to write everything down. Describe any reaction in detail, including all symptoms and how long they last.

2. Write down both the brand name of the medication and the “chemical” name (if you know it).

3. Keep track of the time between when you gave the medication and when the reaction started. You’ll want to add notes on any treatment you child receives for the reaction.

4. Pay attention to the first few doses of a medication. Don’t assume that all is well after a first dose without a problem. Keep in mind that a child usually reacts to a later dose of a medication. In order for an allergy to develop, a child always requires an initial exposure before the allergy becomes evident.

5. Don’t rely solely on your pediatrician to know all your child’s drug reactions. Keep your own records. The pressure on doctors to manage patient visits as quickly as possible can lead to accidental errors.

6. Read all drug packaging inserts carefully so that you are aware of the potential side effects of a drug. This will help you to identify whether a reaction is an allergy or not.

Ketchedjian is also the author of a book called Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery.

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