Drug challenge

• Drug challenges are tests to see if your child is allergic or able to take a particular medication. 

• If your child does not experience any allergic symptoms, then we can be confident that they do not have an allergy to that medicine and they can take it in the future if needed. 

• A drug challenge is the only safe and sure way to find out whether your child has a drug allergy.

The story of the reaction will be taken at the time of the appointment

What happens during a drug challenge?

• During a drug challenge, the child in your care will be required to consume their drug allergen. 

• Allergens will be consumed in increasing quantities/ doses and may be variable on the day. We start by giving a very low dose and gradually increasing this. 

• When you arrive you will have the opportunity to ask questions and you'll be asked to sign a consent form. We try to involve the child as fully as possible in this process. 

• Before the drug challenge is started your child will be examined and the state of their general health recorded.

• A specially trained nurse will carefully monitor your child. 

The drug/ medication for the challenge will be provided

Challenges can be long

• Your child must stay on the ward during the challenge and depending on the protocol the time on the ambulatory unit can be an hour, or up to five hours. 

• This will be discussed with you on the day.