unwanted effects
Last reviewed 01/2018
The key adverse effect of opioids in infants is respiratory depression. This may be guarded against by the following measures:
- regular monitoring of the patient:
- rate of respiration
- depth of respiration
- level of sedation
- sufficient staffing for immediate resuscitation
Should respiratory depression occur, the following measures should be commenced:
- secure airway
- adequate oxygenation and ventilation
- stop or slow opioid infusion
- naloxone may be given every 3-5 minutes by slow IV injection at a rate of 2 æg/kg up to a maximum of 10 æg/kg. Its action is short-lived and so continued observation is essential.
Other adverse effects of opioids in infants include:
- gastric stasis
- vomiting
- constipation
- urinary retention
- increased intraluminal pressure in the gut - causes breakdown of anastomoses
- dependence after a period of several days / weeks - gradual weaning is required