Recommendations for the use of opioids in Brazil: Part II. Use in children and the elderly

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain management in age extremes and in children still requires attention and paradigms review. There are several diseases or procedures inducing pain from the neonatal period to adolescence. In the elderly, there is higher prevalence of degenerative diseases which induce acute and chronic pain. This study aimed at discussing recommendations for the use of opioid in neonates, children and the elderly. CONTENTS: This review has addressed the use of opioids in the neonatal period, in older children and in the elderly, their indications, drugs used, doses, risks, complications and recommendations. CONCLUSION: The use of opioids in age extremes is still a challenge. However, ongoing education about the subject is needed, encouraging clinical trials and the development of evidence based recommendations. The safe use of such agents in correct indication and proportion for pain relief decreases risks and should be the basis for good clinical practice.