Systemic analgesics for children

Pain in children can be treated safely and effectively by using combinations of simple analgesics (paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opiates, the choice of analgesic being determined by the severity of the child’s pain. Safe clinical practice requires an understanding of the age-related changes in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of analgesics in neonates, infants and children. Pain should be regularly assessed, and where appropriate local anaesthetic techniques and non-pharmacological techniques should be used in combination with systemic analgesics. Analgesia for children should be administered, assessed and/or supervised only by individuals with adequate training and experience. This article covers a spectrum of systemic analgesics, from simple to complex, used for the treatment of acute pain in children.