Pediatric Serum Sickness Medication

  • Author: Hanna Kim, MD, MS; Chief Editor: Harumi Jyonouchi, MD   more...
 
Updated: Feb 8, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The objective of medical therapy is to ameliorate the symptoms that result from deposition of the immune complexes in the various tissues. Antihistamines are useful in controlling urticarial lesions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat fever and minor musculoskeletal symptoms. Corticosteroids are necessary to treat the more severe symptoms.

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Antihistamines

Class Summary

These agents are used to treat urticaria and pruritus. Classic H1-blocker antihistamines block the histamine-mediated increase in vascular permeability. Some second-generation antihistamines may also reduce the release of vasoactive amines.

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Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Anti-Hist, Aler-Tab, Diphen)

 

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic and sedative adverse effects. It is used for treatment of allergic reactions.

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Class Summary

This class of drugs acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, thereby blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are powerful mediators of inflammation. These drugs are useful in relieving fever and musculoskeletal pain.

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Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Provil)

 

Ibuprofen is a member of the propionic acid group of NSAIDs. It has moderate efficacy and a good safety profile and is used in children for various conditions, including fever and arthritis. To avoid gastrointestinal (GI) complications, it should be taken with food.

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Corticosteroids

Class Summary

These agents elicit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. They modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Prednisone

 

Prednisone is a corticosteroid with salt-retention properties that is used for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. Because of its well-known adverse effects, it is used only in cases in which the systemic symptoms are severe.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Hanna Kim, MD, MS  Clinical Associate in Pediatric Rheumatology, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Hanna Kim, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Philip J Cohen, MD  Chief, Section of Dermatology, New Jersey Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Lawrence K Jung, MD  Chief, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Children's National Medical Center

Lawrence K Jung, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology Society, and New York Academy of Sciences

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Harumi Jyonouchi, MD  Associate Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Harumi Jyonouchi, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Immunologists, American Medical Association, Clinical Immunology Society, New York Academy of Sciences, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, Society for Mucosal Immunology, and Society for Pediatric Research

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Robyn Siperstein, MD Staff Physician, Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Robyn Siperstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for MOHS Surgery, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David J Valacer, MD Consulting Staff, Hoffman La Roche Pharmaceuticals

David J Valacer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Thoracic Society, and New York Academy of Sciences

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Urticarial rash in a child 10 days after cefaclor was administered for sore throat. Associated findings included fever, arthralgia of knees and ankles, and eosinophilia.
 
 
 
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