Steer clear of meds with codeine or tramadol

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Do not give medicines containing codeine or tramadol to your child if he or she is younger than 12 or suffers from certain conditions, and avoid taking them yourself if you are breastfeeding, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned.

Infants, children and some teenagers could have trouble breathing and even be at risk of death from taking codeine or tramadol, the FDA said. As a result, prescription drugs that contain these ingredients will be required to carry new, strengthened warnings on their labels, the FDA announced late last week.

Codeine and tramadol are opioids commonly used to treat pain. Codeine is also frequently found in prescription and over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. Drugs containing codeine as the only active ingredient or tramadol are not approved for use in children. However, data shows these medicines are still being given to children and teens, the FDA said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has already issued strong warnings against giving medications containing codeine to children.

Here’s what you need to know about the FDA’s latest advice:

-Don’t give codeine or tramadol to a child younger than 12. Check ingredient labels on pain and cough medicines, or ask your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients if you’re unsure.

-If your child is between ages 12 and 18 and is obese or has conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or severe lung disease that can increase the risk of breathing problems, he should not take codeine or tramadol.

-Do not take medicines containing codeine or tramadol if you are breastfeeding because they could cause a serious reaction in your baby.

-If your child has surgery to remove his adenoids or tonsils, make sure he is not prescribed painkillers containing tramadol.

These drugs can be dangerous to children because some people metabolize the drugs very quickly, leading to a dramatic surge of opioids in the blood. Signs of an adverse reaction can include excessive sleepiness and difficulty breathing.

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