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

This is due to some deaths and serious adverse events.

Codeine is a prodrug that's metabolized to morphine by CYP2D6. The amount of morphine produced varies...depending on enzyme activity.

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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
Pediatrics A new "black box" warning will alert prescribers NOT to use codeine in kids after a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
Cardiology ACE inhibitors help reduce SYMPTOMS of peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Anticoagulants whether it's okay to use the new oral anticoagulants (Pradaxa, Xarelto, Eliquis) for "off-label" indications
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