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Children get sick and hurt a lot. Whether it's playground injuries or cold and fever, we're frequently wondering if we should reach for the kids' Panadol.
But pain relief has side effects, and we know as adults we shouldn’t take it too liberally, so what about for our kids?
We asked five experts if it’s OK to give our kids pain killers.
NO
Pain killers are not ideal for children unless they have been recommended by a health professional. Parents often rush to dose their child with either paracetamol or ibuprofen or a combination of both for fever, despite the fact that fever is just a symptom of an infection and there is very little evidence of any effectiveness of these drugs. In fact, decreasing the child’s temperature is interfering with the body’s natural defence mechanism.
If a child is eating, drinking and playing even with a temperature then rest, fluids and removing a layer of clothing would be more practical measures to take. If the child is experiencing pain, they should be seen by a health professional. When it comes to pain killer dosing, only one in three caregivers choose and measure an accurate dose for their child’s weight, so care needs to be taken with dosage.
YES
It's OK to give toddlers and children (not infants) pain medications as long as you stick closely to the recommended doses and don't overlook symptoms of serious disease or injury. A clear-cut problem needing short-term relief such as a sprained ankle or tooth extraction should respond well to child formulations of over-the-counter products. Avoid all 'adult' formulations, especially codeine-containing ones.
![Five experts have given their opinion on whether pain killers are OK for children. (File)](https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/pYGQxh96zd0fBb7PBg3STLZtBgk=/500x0/https%3A%2F%2F1.800.gay%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F_%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F05%2F19%2F10%2F07%2FPAINKILLERS3.jpg)
YES
In the past it was thought procedures could be performed on newborn infants without any attempt at pain relief as newborns did not feel pain. Clearly, practice has changed over the years and, across all age groups, we are very conscious of pain and doing whatever we can to alleviate pain. Although this is not always possible.
We teach medical students they should be caring for a patient, not treating a disease or an organ. Pain relief is an essential part of the management of a child with any condition.
But it's important to remember 1) pain is usually a red flag to an underlying problem, and that must also be addressed, and 2) the benefits must be weighed against the risks; liver problems with paracetamol, stomach problems with ibuprofen, and numerous problems with the opioid analgesics like codeine or morphine.
YES
Could we ever justify NOT giving pain killers to children who are in pain? Denying a child in pain access to pain relief is inhumane and short-sighted. Are we worried about the child becoming addicted? Or worried about side effects? Whatever the argument, there is no legitimate justification for denial of access.
Caregivers have to ensure, however, the child is carefully monitored and dosage is very carefully calculated and delivered safely. A child in pain is no less than an adult in pain, and should be treated with the same respect. Mild pain killers such as paracetamol often suffice.
![The term 'pain killer' should also not really be used any more, as we know medication usually dampens, but doesn't kill, pain, experts say. (File)](https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/sC0nDJ2DLuO8JuHxZFXdfTqBCsg=/500x0/https%3A%2F%2F1.800.gay%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F_%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F05%2F19%2F10%2F07%2FPAINKILLERS1.jpg)
YES
Challenges can arise when there is uncertainty over the source of the pain, its severity, what carers judge the pain level to be, the response to non-drug therapies (such as ice packs and distraction with music, play and screens – which help!), the child's age and how much they can tell you, and if they have illnesses that increase side effects.
The balance is the same for adults and children. Pain medication use for acute pain short term is not addictive. The approach for chronic pain differs.
The term 'pain killer' should also not really be used any more, as we know medication usually dampens, but doesn't kill, pain. Parents still hesitate to give pain medications even when they know their child has pain, such as after surgery. Panadol and ibuprofen are generally safe for most children. Many pain medications are still not licensed for use in children.
![The term 'pain killer' should also not really be used any more, as we know medication usually dampens, but doesn't kill, pain, experts say. (File](https://imageresizer.static9.net.au/NnbQYPqJB5j-LY2R2ZLYgKYFYtY=/500x0/https%3A%2F%2F1.800.gay%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F_%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F05%2F19%2F10%2F07%2FPAINKILLERS2.jpg)
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Disclosures: Greta Palmer has previously received grant support from Cadence Pharmaceuticals for a paracetamol study in neonates