Three Children Die From Taking Codeine

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Three Children Die From Taking Codeine

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently conducting an investigation into reports of children who developed serious adverse effects or died after taking codeine. The children, between the ages of two and five, were given doses of codeine to manage pain after undergoing tonsillectomies. Doctors believe the children shared a common genetic trait that resulted in the drug having dangerous and deadly effects on their small bodies – even though the codeine was administered in the typical dose range.

Codeine is traditionally metabolized by the liver and converted into morphine. It is often used to manage pain in young children. In some rare cases, an individual’s body metabolizes the drug too quickly resulting in toxic levels that quickly build in the bloodstream. Respiratory depression or death can result from this condition.

There is no definitive way to determine if an individual carries the gene that causes codeine to be converted to morphine faster than normal.

The FDA is cautioning health care professionals to be aware of the risks of using codeine in children, particularly in those who have undergone tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Doctors should prescribe codeine-containing drugs to children in the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time and it should be used on an as-needed basis.

The FDA further recommends that parents and caregivers who observe unusual sleepiness, confusion, or difficult or noisy breathing in their child should seek medical attention immediately, as these are signs of overdose.

If you believe you or a loved one has been personally injured by a dangerous drug call Longo Legal, PLLC today. Call toll free at (855)-566-4648.

Source: FDA Medwatch, Codeine Use in Certain Children After Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy: Drug Safety Communication – Risk of Rare, But Life-Threatening Adverse Events or Death, 08/15/2012.

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