Codeine is a medication used to relieve mild to moderate pain and suppress coughs. It belongs to the class of drugs called opioid analgesics, which act on the central nervous system to reduce pain. Codeine is available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) in some countries. However, there is a lot of confusion about what age is appropriate to use codeine. In this article, we will discuss the age limit for codeine use and the risks associated with its use in children and teenagers.
What age is Codeine for?
Codeine is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years old. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against using codeine in children under the age of 18 years for the treatment of pain after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy due to the risk of serious adverse effects.
For adults, codeine is generally considered safe when used as directed by a doctor. However, its use should be limited to short-term pain relief as it can be habit-forming and lead to addiction.
Risks associated with Codeine use in Children and Teenagers
Codeine can be dangerous when used in children and teenagers. This is because they may be more sensitive to the effects of codeine and are at a higher risk of developing serious side effects. Some of the risks associated with codeine use in children and teenagers include:
- Respiratory depression: Codeine can slow down breathing and reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood. In rare cases, this can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression, especially in children under 12 years old.
- Central nervous system depression: Codeine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially in children and teenagers who are more active.
- Addiction and dependence: Codeine is an opioid medication and can be habit-forming. Long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which can be difficult to overcome.
- Overdose: Codeine overdose can be fatal, especially in children and teenagers. Symptoms of codeine overdose include shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, cold and clammy skin, slow heart rate, and fainting.
Conclusion
Codeine is a powerful medication that can be effective in relieving pain and coughs. However, it should be used with caution, especially in children and teenagers. The age limit for codeine use is 12 years and above, and it is generally not recommended for children and teenagers under the age of 18 years. Parents and caregivers should talk to their healthcare provider before giving codeine to their children and should strictly follow the recommended dosage and duration of use. In addition, they should watch out for signs of side effects and seek medical attention if any occur. Overall, it is important to use codeine responsibly and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider, but you can check this codeine for sale here, which is good to use.
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