ABSTRACT
Objectives: To study the efficacy and adverse effects of opioids in management of pain in children. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in children aged below 15 years with moderate to severe pain, and response to opioids and adverse effects were assessed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration. Results: 100 children (68% males) with median (IQR) age of 6.5 (3.5,10) years were studied. 81% (n=81) children with moderate pain and 78.9% (n=15) with severe pain responded to opioids in 72 hours. Among children with severe pain of non-malignant origin, 80% (n=8) responded in 48 hours compared to 11.1% (n=1) with malignancy and this difference was statistically significant at 24 hours (P=0.005). Of children with severe pain 73.7% (n=14) developed adverse reactions compared to 30.9% (n=25) with moderate pain. Conclusions: Children with moderatesevere pain, either of malignant or non-malignant origin could be managed effectively with opioids without severe adverse effects.