Pediatric Meciation Side Effect Information Sheet

This sheet provides information about some of the most common side effects associated with medications you may
receive during your stay. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist.

Medication: Generic (Brand) Indication Most Common Side Effects

Antibiotics:
amoxicillin (Amoxil®) An infection can cause you to feel ill, Dizziness
azithromycin (Zithromax®) Antibiotics help the infection go away Upset Stomach
cefdinir (Omnicef®) Nausea/Vomiting
cephalexin (Keflex®) Headache
metronidazole (Flagyl®)
penicillin vk (Pen-Vee K®) Tip: Take medication with food to
sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim decrease side effects
(Bactrim®)

Asthma/Steroids:
albuterol (ProAir®, Proventil®) Helps you breathe better by putting Headaches
budesonide (Pulmicort®) more air into your lungs Dry Mouth
montelukast (Singulair®) Cough
fluticasone (Flonase®) Jitteriness
hydrocortisone (Solu-cortef®) Nervousness
prednisolone (Pediapred®)

Skin Protectant:
zinc oxide diaper rash paste (Desitin®, Creates a skin barrier to help protect Skin Sensitivity
Balmex®) the affected area
Tip: Wash your hands before and after
use

Antihistamines:
cetirizine (Zyrtec®) Helps relieve allergy symptoms, like Sleepy
diphenhydrinate (Dramamine®) sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, Dizziness
diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and post-nasal drip which can cause a Upset Stomach
loratidine (Claritin®) cough Nervousness

Mild-Moderate Pain:
acetaminophen (Tylenol®) Pain = OUCH! Constipation
ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) Helps make the pain go away Sleepy
Severe Pain: Tired
oxycodone/acetaminophen Headache
(Percocet®)
hydrocodone/acetaminophen
(Norco®, Vicodin®)
hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
 Nausea & Vomiting:
ondansetron (Zofran®) Helps with stomach aches Constipation
promethazine (Phenergan®) Tired
Headache

Stool Softener:
docusate sodium (Colace®) Cramping
Laxatives: Flatulence
polyethylene glycol 335 (Miralax®) Nausea
sennosides (Senokot®) Diarrhea
Stool Softener/Laxatives:
docusate/sennosides (Senokot-S®)

Long Acting Injectable Insulin:

insulin glargine (Lantus®) Helps to lower blood sugar and give Lightheadedness
insulin levemir (Detemir®) you more energy Shakiness
Intermediate Acting Injectable Sweating
Insulin: Hunger
NPH
Short Acting Injectable Insulin: How do I know if my blood sugar
regular insulin levels are too low or too high?
Rapid Acting Injectable Insulin: If you are very thirsty, weak, or
insulin lispro (Humalog®) sweating.
insulin aspart (Novolog®) If you feel like this let your parent or
Tip: take 15 minutes before meals or guardian know immediately
snacks
According to the American Diabetes Tip: If blood sugar drops below range
Association consume high sugar foods, such as
Normal Blood Sugar Levels: orange juice or regular (non-diet) soda
Before a Meal: 80-130 mg/dL
After a meal: less than 180 mg/dL

Anticonvulsants:
divalproex (Depakote®) Helps decrease your chances of Diarrhea
lamotrigine (Lamictal®) getting a seizure Tired
levetiracetam (Keppra®) Belly Pain
phenobarbital (Luminal®) Loss of Appetite
phenytoin (Dilantin®)

Mood Stabilizers:
clonazepam (Klonopin®) Helps to put you in a better mood Dry Mouth
fluoxetine (Prozac®) Loss of Appetite
sertraline (Zoloft®) Nervousness
Diarrhea
Constipation

KEEP ALL MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

References:
1. Lexicomp Online ® Pediatric & Neonatal Lexi-Drugs ®, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc; January 2019
2. American Diabetes Association: Glycemic Targets. See 6: In Standards of Medical Care in Didabeletes (2015). Diabetes Care 38;S33-S40.