A new study found that the number of children suffering a seizure after swallowing medications like antihistamines or illegal substances such as synthetic cannabinoids doubled between 2009 and 2023 in the US. The findings were presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress (EUSEM).
"Seizure is one of the most severe symptoms a poisoned patient can experience, and children are particularly vulnerable. Depending on variables such as where a seizure happens, how long it continues and the pre-existing health of the child, seizures can lead to long-term damage or even death,” said study author, Dr. Conner McDonald of University of Virginia School of Medicine in a press release.
For the study, the researchers analyzed data from the US National Poison Data System on seizures in children and teenagers resulting from exposure to any substance between 2019 and 2023. While there were 1,418 cases in 2009, there were 2, 749 cases in 2023, equating to an average yearly increase of 5%.
In particular, the researchers noted that cases among children aged 6- 19 years old doubled over the 15-year period, whereas cases among those under 6 years old increased by 45%. The most common substances used included diphenhydramine (an over-the-counter antihistamine widely used for allergies, hay fever, and nasal congestions), tramadol (a prescription opioid for pain in adults), bupropion (a prescription antidepressant for both adults and children), and synthetic cannabinoids known as as K2 or spice.
Diphenhydramine can be purchased in the US in bottles containing 1000 tablets. Speaking before the Congress, Professor Christopher Holstege, Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, said that a serious discussion should take place on whether products like diphenhydramine should be sold in such large quantities and whether they should come in blister packs to make it more difficult for children and suicidal individuals to gain access.
"The increase in drug poisoning among children is worrisome,” said Dr. Barbra Backus, chair of the EUSEM abstract selection committee and an emergency physician in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in a press release. She was not involved in the research.
“Although these data are for the US, we know that drugs are the most common sources of poisoning in children around the world. It is important that we keep looking for safer distribution and storage of medication. Blister packs and child-resistant pill bottles can help, but all drugs, whether they are over the counter, prescribed, or illegal should be kept out of reach or locked away where children cannot access them,” continued Backus.
Sources: New-Medical.net