A new "black box" warning will alert prescribers NOT to use codeine in children after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy

April 2013

Please see Health Canada's June 2013 recommendation to avoid codeine in all children

A new "black box" warning will alert prescribers NOT to use codeine in children after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.

This is due to some deaths and adverse events from opioid toxicity...in kids getting usual codeine doses after these procedures.

These kids are prone to breathing problems...many already have obstructive sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

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Table of Contents

Antihypertensives BIG changes in how hypertension and dyslipidemia are managed
Headache overuse of headache meds for just a few months can actually make their headaches worse
Diabetes a possible increase in acute pancreatitis risk with gliptins (Januvia, etc) and GLP-1 agonists (Byetta, etc)
Pediatrics limiting antibiotics in kids with acute otitis media (AOM)
Pediatrics A new "black box" warning will alert prescribers NOT to use codeine in children after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
Cardiology ACE inhibitors help reduce SYMPTOMS of peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Anticoagulants using the new oral anticoagulants (Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis) for "off-label" uses
NSAIDs kidney risks of NSAIDs
Calcium more negative press about calcium supplements
Constipation Many myths about constipation lead to inappropriate treatment
Cardiology confusion about metoprolol prescriptions