A child surrounded by floating pills, symbolizing the hidden dangers of drug interactions.

Are Your Kids' Medications Safe? Hidden Risks of Drug Interactions You Need to Know

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Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A new study reveals that many U.S. children and adolescents are using prescription medications with potential for dangerous drug-drug interactions. Find out how to protect your kids."


In today's world, where medication use is increasingly common, it's natural to assume that the prescriptions our children receive are entirely safe. However, a groundbreaking study published in 'Pediatrics' reveals a concerning reality: a significant number of children and adolescents in the United States are using prescription medications that carry the risk of major drug-drug interactions (DDIs). This means that when certain medications are taken together, they can produce harmful, even life-threatening, effects.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Johns Hopkins University, paints a vivid picture of the prevalence of prescription medication use among young people. By analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the researchers uncovered that nearly one in five children and adolescents are on at least one prescription medication. What's more alarming is that a notable percentage of these young individuals are concurrently using multiple medications, placing them at risk for potentially dangerous DDIs.

This article delves into the key findings of this study, exploring the types of medications most commonly involved in DDIs, the age groups most vulnerable, and the steps parents and caregivers can take to ensure their children's safety. Understanding these hidden risks is the first step in safeguarding the health and well-being of our young population.

The Scope of the Problem: Concurrent Medication Use and Drug Interactions

A child surrounded by floating pills, symbolizing the hidden dangers of drug interactions.

The 'Pediatrics' study revealed that a concerning 7.5% of children and adolescents are concurrently using two or more prescription medications. This practice, known as concurrent medication use, significantly elevates the risk of DDIs. The researchers defined concurrent use as the simultaneous use of at least two prescription medications within a 30-day period.

To identify potential DDIs, the researchers utilized Micromedex, a comprehensive drug information database that provides detailed information on drug interactions. Micromedex classifies drug interactions based on their severity, ranging from minor to contraindicated (meaning the drugs should never be used together). The study focused on potentially major DDIs, defined as interactions that "may be life-threatening, require medical intervention to minimize or prevent serious adverse events, or both."

  • Age and Gender Disparities: Concurrent medication use was found to be more prevalent among certain age groups and genders. Boys aged 6-12 years old had the highest rate of concurrent use (12%), while both boys and girls aged 13-19 years old had a rate of 10%.
  • Risk of Major DDIs: Among those using multiple prescription medications, 8.2% were at risk for a potentially major DDI. This highlights the critical need for vigilance when prescribing and administering medications to children and adolescents.
  • Medication Combinations of Concern: The most common interacting regimens involved antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. Adolescent girls were disproportionately affected, with a significantly higher rate of potential major DDIs compared to boys (18.1% vs. 6.6%). This was largely driven by greater rates of use of acute medications among adolescent girls.
These statistics underscore the importance of raising awareness about the potential risks of concurrent medication use and DDIs among children and adolescents. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals must work together to ensure that medications are prescribed and administered safely, minimizing the likelihood of adverse events.

Protecting Our Children: A Call to Action

The findings of this study serve as a powerful reminder that medication use among children and adolescents is not without risk. While prescription medications can be essential for managing chronic conditions and treating acute illnesses, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for dangerous drug interactions. By taking proactive steps to minimize these risks, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our young people. It's important that healthcare providers, children and their guardians understand the medication that is being consumed and if they could interact.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What are drug-drug interactions, and why are they a concern for kids?

Drug-drug interactions, or DDIs, occur when two or more medications interact in the body, potentially leading to harmful effects. These effects can range from mild to life-threatening. The 'Pediatrics' study highlighted major DDIs, which are interactions that may be life-threatening or require medical intervention to prevent serious adverse events. Understanding DDIs is crucial because many children and adolescents use multiple prescription medications concurrently, increasing their risk of experiencing these dangerous interactions. Failure to recognize and prevent DDIs can result in severe health consequences for young individuals.

2

What does 'concurrent medication use' mean, and why does it matter?

Concurrent medication use refers to the simultaneous use of two or more prescription medications within a defined period. The 'Pediatrics' study considered concurrent use as taking multiple medications within a 30-day period. This practice is significant because it increases the likelihood of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). When multiple medications are taken together, they can interact in unpredictable ways, potentially leading to harmful effects. Therefore, understanding and monitoring concurrent medication use is essential for ensuring the safety of children and adolescents.

3

What is Micromedex, and how was it used in the study?

Micromedex is a comprehensive drug information database that provides detailed information on drug interactions. In the 'Pediatrics' study, researchers used Micromedex to identify potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) among children and adolescents. Micromedex classifies drug interactions based on their severity, ranging from minor to contraindicated. This database is important because it provides healthcare professionals and researchers with the information needed to assess the risk of DDIs and make informed decisions about medication prescriptions. Without such a resource, it would be difficult to identify and prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions.

4

Are some children more likely to experience these medication issues?

The 'Pediatrics' study revealed that certain age groups and genders are more likely to be affected by concurrent medication use and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). For example, boys aged 6-12 years old had the highest rate of concurrent use, while adolescent girls had a higher rate of potential major DDIs compared to boys, largely driven by greater rates of use of acute medications. These disparities are significant because they highlight the need for targeted interventions and increased vigilance when prescribing medications to specific populations. Understanding these differences can help healthcare providers tailor their approach to medication management and reduce the risk of adverse events.

5

What can be done to keep children safe from medication interactions?

To protect children and adolescents from dangerous drug-drug interactions (DDIs), it's important to understand and communicate with healthcare providers about all medications a child is taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Healthcare providers need to utilize tools like Micromedex to identify potential DDIs before prescribing new medications. Also, regularly review medications with a doctor or pharmacist. Awareness, education, and proactive communication are key to minimizing the risks associated with medication use in young people.

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