The researchers said the findings serve as a “stark” warning to parents to store medications in places that children cannot reach.
Many over-the-counter medications contain ingredients that may trigger seizures, especially in children who cannot tolerate them.
A new study found that the number of children suffering from an epileptic seizure after swallowing medications or similar drugs doubled between 2009 and 2023 in the United States.
These medications include over-the-counter antihistamines, antidepressants, pain relievers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
“Epileptic seizures are one of the most severe symptoms a patient can experience, and children are most at risk,” explained the study’s lead author, Dr. Conner McDonald, from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Depending on variables such as where the seizure occurs, how long it lasts and the child’s previous health condition, epileptic seizures can lead to long-term damage or even death.”
Dr. MacDonald and his colleagues collected data from the US National Toxicology Data System on seizures in children and adolescents that resulted from exposure to any substance between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2023.
The researchers analyzed the data according to the ages of the children and the substance they consumed. They found that cases rose from 1,418 in 2009 to 2,749 in 2023, with an average rise of 5% each year.
Among children aged 6 to 19 years, the number of cases has doubled over 15 years.
In children under six, there was a 45% increase in cases over a 15-year period.
The rise in seizures is mostly due to common medications, such as diphenhydramine (for allergies), tramadol (painkiller), bupropion (antidepressant), and illegal synthetic cannabinoids such as K2 or Spice.
Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics Christopher Holstege said: “The increase in epileptic seizures among children exposed to these drugs is very concerning and must be addressed. “It is a stark reminder to parents and caregivers to store medications safely so children cannot access them.”
Dr. Barbara Backus, from the European Society of Emergency Medicine, noted: “The increase in drug poisonings among children is alarming. Although this data is specific to the United States, we know that drugs are the most common sources of poisoning among children around the world. “It is important that we continue to search for safer distribution and storage of medicines.”
Source: The Sun
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