FDA: No Codeine or Tramadol for Children, Breastfeeding Mothers

Keep the cough syrup with codeine away from children

Medpage Today reports on a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) statement that recommends against using codeine to treat pain and coughs, or use of tramadol to treat pain in children under the age of 12.

"The [FDA] cited concerns about slowed or difficult breathing or death, especially among younger children and infants in its decision to restrict the use of products containing these two drugs."

"The FDA also added a new 'Warning' advising against the use of products with codeine and tramadol in children ages 12 to 18 who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea or serious lung disease."

No Codeine or Tramadol When Breastfeeding

"There is also a strengthened 'Warning' advising against the use of these products among breastfeeding mothers, as it may cause serious harm to their infants."

"'We understand that there are limited options when it comes to treating pain or cough in children, and that these changes may raise some questions for healthcare providers and parents,' said Throckmorton [MD, deputy center director for regulatory programs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research]. 'However, please know that our decision today was made based on the latest evidence and with this goal in mind: keeping our kids safe.'"

Choose Low Risk Non-drug Treatment for Children

Too often, we grab for medication that seems to provide an easy solution, but it's important to avoid falling for the belief that drugs are the answer to all of our problems. Our current opioid epidemic started with physicians trying to help patients with chronic pain, but it's now turned into a devastating mess. All opioids, including codeine and tramadol, should be a last resort and used with much more caution. Simple non-drug treatments are often just as effective without the risks. A spoon of honey has been found to sooth a bad cough as well as medication. State and national opioid guidelines recommend using non-drug treatments like chiropractic first for pain relief. 

Especially when it comes to children, it's important to use a cautious approach that starts with non-drug care first before trying higher risk opioid medications like codeine or tramadol.

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