Doctors must be cautious while prescribing opioids to children for pain: AAP's new guideline

The new AAP guideline is an important step towards making the use of opioid medications safer and more effective in children's pain management. This guideline not only takes into account the health safety of children, but also reduces the risk of long-term drug addiction.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new guideline regarding the use of opioid drugs for the treatment of pain in children. In this guideline, pediatricians have been advised to prescribe opioid medicines with caution as needed, so that long-term risks can be reduced.

This guideline is the first clinical practice guideline on the use of opioids in children, with clear instructions on when and how to use these drugs. Published in the journal Pediatrics online, this guideline states that pediatricians should always preferentially use non-opioid drugs for patients with mild to moderate pain.

Prescribing opioids and naloxone

The guideline also recommends that naloxone, a drug that reverses overdose, should be prescribed along with opioid drugs. Scott Hadland, the lead author of the guideline, said that there has been a big change in medical practice in the last two decades. Earlier, more doses of opioids were prescribed, but now this has decreased. Due to this, many children are not getting proper treatment for pain.

Prescribe opioids only when needed 

Hadland said pediatricians should only prescribe opioids when they are really needed. He said pain and stress can have a negative impact on mental health, so doctors should take steps to reduce the risk of drug addiction.

Other remedies for pain

According to the AAP's medical practice guidelines, opioid medications should be used in conjunction with other non-pharmacological measures such as physiotherapy. In addition, non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen should also be used.

Ban on Codeine and Tramadol

The guideline also sets several restrictions on opioids such as codeine and tramadol. These drugs are prescribed for use only for adults. Its purpose is to provide protection against inappropriate use and potential side effects of opioid drugs in children.