Medication for Food Allergy

Medication

  • All food allergic children should have liquid non sedating h1 antihistamines available in liquid form at all times.
  • The treatment of acute asthma requires spacer device inhaled beta-2-agonists, however for more severe symptoms they cannot be relied on solely.
  • Adrenalin is also known as Epinephrine and is usually indicated for a child:
    • with a prior severe allergic reaction to the food.
    • who has had anaphylaxis or who are considered at high risk of anaphylaxis.
    • with food allergy and more than mild asthma (>BTS step 2)
    • living remote from medical facilities
    • with peanut allergy

Adrenaline autoinjectors (AAI)

  • AAI deliver an intramuscular injection of Adrenalin
  • The dose is 150mcg based on a weight 15-30kg and 300mcg for those over 30kg in weight
  • A child should always have 2 auto injectors with them in case the first fails or isn’t used correctly.

The manufacturers of AAI have produced video and other resources which can be accessed by clicking on the relevant product link below:

Anpen       Emerade          Epipen            Jext

If you have any safety or quality concerns about an AAI please refer to the Health Products Regulatory Authority.  A link to their website is provided here.

When any of the above are prescribed there must be a clear explanation of when and how to use them.

All children with immediate food allergy should have a management plan which can be adapted to the individual.

All those at risk of anaphylaxis should be encouraged to wear/carry some form of Medic Alert identification (e.g. engraved watch, wrist or neck band/ wallet ID card).

Collection & Use of Personal Information