Can children use Tramadol?

Even adults can make mistakes in taking medications. Though this is already a usual scenario, adults especially parents, should be very careful in giving medicine to their children as they are still very vulnerable. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics disclosed that half of the kids today do not properly take their medicines. It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that their children take the right medicines the proper way. Anyone caring for younger children must take all the preventive steps to avoid accidental poisonings from medicines or supplements.

Medications are intended to keep our children healthy and comfortable. However a single wrong step can lead to tragedy. The proper storage of medicine at home is also important in order to prevent children from accidentally administering the wrong substance. Many cases of poisoning are recorded because of the childrenís natural curiosity.

There are also times when our children may experience and complain moderate to severe pain. And as parents, of course, the very first thing we need is to do is to alleviate the pain our children suffer. There are now many drugs today and choosing the right one for your child will definitely give you a headache. In choosing the proper medication for your child, you need first to decide which of the active ingredients you would like, according to the kind of pain your child is suffering, the age and the general state of health. One of the many painkillers we have today is tramadol. But can children use tramadol? This is just but one of the most common questions that parents ask.

The effect of tramadol on the body is actually similar to the effects of narcotics. It is effective in relieving moderate to severe pain. But since it is not a narcotic, it does not have as many of the side effects which have made medical narcotic use so dangerous. There are also reported cases of dependence on tramadol. Signs of dependence may include getting tolerant to the dose, withdrawal symptoms, and a continuing feeling that the dose needs to be increased.

So, can children use tramadol? Generally, Tramadol should not be given to children younger than 16 years old. The safety and effectiveness in children still needs more studies. However there are already some cases and clinical studies where Tramadol is used on children especially after surgery to minimize the pain.

In one study, doctors used Tramadol in children 2-7 years old to manage post-operative pain. The researchers from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran found out that using Tramadol in children provides superior analgesic effects as compared to the controlled group. However, they noted more episodes of nausea and vomiting as a side effect for Tramadol treatment.

In another study in Finland which was published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, they found out that Tramadol is well tolerated and an effective analgesic after operation for children 1-3 years old. It offers an advantage over traditional opioids for relief of post-operative pain. The recommended dosage for this age group is 1ñ2 mg kgñ1 three or four times daily. However, the researchers recommend further evaluation of the effects of tramadol use on pediatric surgery. They were not sure if higher doses of Tramadol improve analgesic effects without increasing the adverse reactions to the drug.

Before giving tramadol to your child, please consult your pediatrician first. It is better to bring your child to a health care provider if they are suffering from extreme pain which can be caused by other health conditions. If you have tramadol at home, it would be wise if you treat all medicines, supplements and related treatments as dangerous to children by keeping them safely and securely placed in the medicine cabinet. Take note that kids are naturally curious, so lock your cabinet to give you peace of mind.