Posted: September 4th, 2022

The increased risk of opioid poisoning among pediatric patients

The increased risk of opioid poisoning among pediatric patients
The misuse of opioids is becoming a great concern, particularly in countries such as the US. A study published in the Jama Network revealed that abuse of opioids caused 9000 deaths among children in America between 1999 and 2016. Estimates also indicate that close to 18 children seek medical interventions daily due to overdose of opioids drugs.
Misuse of opioids has dire effects on a child’s health; it can lead to breathing and respiratory problems, seizures, confusion, and even death. Some children use opioids such as heroin for non-medicinal purposes. Others use it as painkillers. Young children are more likely to suffer from accidental poisoning. Those with chronic pains and infectious diseases overdose in an attempt to reduce pain.
There is little knowledge of opioids among children. Although there are those used by all age brackets, some of them are not meant for children and can harm pediatric patients. It is always wise for pharmacists to check the patients’ medical history before administering opioids. If they are suffering from acute pain, they should give small doses. If its chronic pain, they should follow up with the patient to ensure the drugs are not misused.
The Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group recommends pharmacists to educate adolescents on the usage and storage of opioids. They should encourage them to take non-opioid pain relievers. Parents also should be at the forefront of educating their children. They should ensure they take drugs as prescribed. Place opioid drugs far from the reach of children. Store them in a medicine safe or a lockbox. Children with opioids misuse disorders should seek medical help. Drugs such as naloxone can reduce the side effects of opioids without interfering with opioid-induced analgesia.
Although some opioids are commercially available, it is suitable for both parents and children to understand the prescription of these drugs. Oxycodone and hydromorphone should only be used by those who are above six months. Patients of all ages can use fentanyl, methadone, and neonates. Meperidine should not be given to children because it emits toxicities that affect the central nervous system and cause seizures.
Children should not regularly use oxymorphone as it causes respiratory depression, addiction, and even death. Children under the age of 12 should not use codeine and tramadol. It should also be limited to children between 12 to 18 years as it can cause death. Pharmacists recommend non-opioid drugs such as non-steroidal, acetaminophen, and neuropathic. Health providers, teachers, and parents should work together to ensure children do not abuse opioids. They should also restrict access.

References
Tadros, Allison, et al. “Emergency department visits by pediatric patients for poisoning by prescription opioids.” The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse 42.5 (2016): 550-555.
Boyer, Edward W. “Management of opioid analgesic overdose.” New England Journal of Medicine 367.2 (2012): 146-155.

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