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Published on: June 10, 2013
Opioid Use in Children
Kelly L Matson1, Peter N Johnson2, Evan R Horton3
1Department of Pharmacy Practice (KLM), University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, RI.
Summary
Pediatric Pharmacy Association guidelines emphasize pharmacist roles in safe opioid use for children and adolescents. Pharmacists educate on alternatives, naloxone, and safe disposal to prevent misuse and opioid use disorder.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited guidance exists for pediatric opioid use, raising medication safety concerns.
- Adolescent opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD) are significant public health issues.
- Pharmacists are crucial in managing pediatric pain and preventing opioid-related harm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline recommendations from the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) for safe opioid management in pediatric populations.
- To highlight the pharmacist's role in pain management, OUD prevention, and treatment for children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- The PPA's recommendations are based on current evidence and clinical expertise.
- The study synthesizes PPA's stance on non-opioid alternatives, naloxone co-prescribing, and prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).
- It emphasizes pharmacist-led education on safe opioid administration, storage, and disposal.
Main Results:
- Pharmacists should discuss non-opioid pain management options and consider naloxone co-prescribing.
- Reviewing PDMPs before prescribing/dispensing opioids is recommended for prescribers and pharmacists.
- Pharmacist education is vital for preventing opioid misuse and OUD in young people.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists play a key role in ensuring safe opioid use in pediatric patients.
- Improved access to evidence-based OUD medications (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) for adolescents is encouraged.
- Pharmacists should facilitate screening and referral for adolescents diagnosed with OUD.
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