Overdose Dangers for Infants and Children

When narcotic drugs such as codeine and hydrocodone are prescribed for children, care givers need to be attentive to dosing instructions. Drugs like these can be dangerous for infants and children because of their sedative effects. HealthDay News reports that about 4% of children under three taking narcotic perscriptions receive overdoses. The study examined of more that 50,000 prescriptions and also found the rate higher with youngest babies: “Among children who were younger than 2 months, about four in 10 received an overdose.”

Even more alarming was the note that on average the doses were “about 42 percent larger than they should have been.” Parents can have trouble measuring liquid medication properly, and so pharmacies and medical professionals need to provide accurate instructions and guidance in this area. (Health Day 5/2/11)

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