Give painkillers to children only when necessary, new guidelines issued
According to the new guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), pediatricians should prescribe opioid medicines for pain to children while taking necessary precautions. The first clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids in children clearly states that How and when to prescribe these medicines for pain, so as to reduce the long-term risk of it.
Guidelines published in the journal Pediatrics Online ask pediatricians to always use non-opioid medications for patients with mild to moderate pain. Along with this, it is recommended to prescribe naloxone along with opioid medicines, which is a medicine to reverse overdose.
Scott Hadland, lead author of the guideline, said, “There has been a major change in the practice of medicine over the past two decades. Earlier, more opioid medicines were prescribed, which has now reduced. Due to this, the pain of many children is not being treated.”
“We want pediatricians to prescribe opioids only when needed,” Hadland said.
Hadland added, “Pain and stress can cause mental harm, so doctors should take steps that can reduce the risk of long-term drug addiction.”
According to clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, opioid medications should be used in conjunction with other non-pharmacological measures, such as physical therapy, to reduce pain and increase function. In addition, other non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen should also be given along with opioid medications.
The guideline further states that patients and their caregivers should be educated on things like pain control therapy, opioids, safe storage and disposal of medicines. The AAP also sets several restrictions on the prescribing of codeine and tramadol. These medicines are for use only in adults.
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