Alternative Drug Safety in Children with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used in the pediatric age group as pain relievers, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Since NSAIDs are used in many medical conditions, there is a need for alternative NSAIDs to be used safely in people with hypersensitivity reactions. Selective and partially selective COX-2 inhibitors and weak COX-1 inhibitors are generally used as safe alternative drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate safe NSAIDs determined by oral provocation tests (OPTs) according to phenotypes in children with NSAID hypersensitivity reactions. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The results of the oral provocation test performed with alternative NSAIDs (paracetamol, meloxicam, nimesulide, celecoxib) in patients followed up with the diagnosis of NSAID hypersensitivity reaction in the Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Department between January 2015 and February 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> During the study period, 91 patients underwent OPTs with 109 alternative drugs 48 (52.7%) of whom were girls, with a median age of 15 years. 91 patients had a history of reactions to 117 drugs. As an alternative NSAID; OPT was performed with paracetamol in 58 patients, meloxicam in 44 patients, nimesulide in 5 patients, and celecoxib in 2 patients. Since 15 patients used paracetamol safely at home, no tests were performed with paracetamol. Reactions were observed in 3 of the 73 patients (4.1%) who underwent OPT with paracetamol and in 2 of the 44 (4.5%) who underwent OPT with meloxicam. Reactions to nimesulide were also observed in the latter 2 patients (2/5, 40%), but they appeared to tolerate celecoxib. No reaction was observed in the 2 patients who were tested with celecoxib. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Paracetamol, meloxicam, and nimesulide can be used as safe alternative drugs in most children with NSAID hypersensitivity. Selective COX-2 inhibitors should be tried as an alternative in patients who cannot tolerate them.