Comparison of oral versus rectal administration of acetaminophen with codeine in postoperative pediatric

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Vicki Owczarzak1, Joseph Haddad

  • 1Department of OTO/HNS at Columbia, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 180 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA. vlo22@drexel.edu

The Laryngoscope
|August 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Rectal acetaminophen with codeine provides effective pain control after adenotonsillectomy, comparable to oral medication. Parents found rectal administration easier and preferred it for postoperative pain management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postoperative pain management after adenotonsillectomy is crucial for pediatric recovery.
  • Oral administration of pain medication can be challenging in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of rectal acetaminophen with codeine as an alternative to oral administration for pain control in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, randomized controlled study involving 75 children aged 1 to 5 years.
  • Participants were randomized to receive either rectal (suppository) or oral postoperative pain medication.
  • Pain control and adverse effects were monitored for 10 days post-surgery via daily journals and a follow-up survey.

Main Results:

  • Rectal acetaminophen with codeine demonstrated equivalent pain control compared to oral administration.
  • No significant differences were observed in adverse effects or the total number of medication doses administered daily.
  • Parents reported ease of administration with suppositories and a preference for this method.

Conclusions:

  • Rectal acetaminophen with codeine offers effective and well-tolerated pain control post-adenotonsillectomy.
  • The ease of administration makes suppositories a preferred option for many parents.
  • Rectal administration presents a viable alternative for postoperative pain management in pediatric patients.
Abstract

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