HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Oxycontin Inatke Dangerous For Children?

default
Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2014
Question: I have misplaced one of my 10mg oxycontin medications. I have a 17 month old at home, and am frantically worried what would happen if he finds it? Is it lethal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Oxycodone pills can be lethal to most kids

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
The concern of having a 17 months old kid around is understandable.

According to one study, 50 percent of toddlers who took two 5 mg tablets became rapidly ill within an hour. For an infant, even half of a tablet of hydrocodone or hydrocodone can be lethal.

Please make a complete search at places where it is most likely that you have dropped the pill.
Do not allow your kid alone till you might have searched at all the places commonly accessible to your kid.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (8 minutes later)
"According to one study, 50 percent of toddlers who took two 5 mg tablets became rapidly ill within an hour. For an infant, even half of a tablet of hydrocodone can be lethal.
Sustained-release versions of these pills can be especially lethal, Spiller said, as they contain “such giant doses … which can be lethal for a child with no tolerance.” Spiller said that one 2-year old girl who was brought to his ER had taken two tablets of Oxycontin while her mom was answering the door. For four hours she had no symptoms — and then she suddenly went into cardiac arrest."

(http://wchbnewsdetroit.newsone.com/230031/7-drugs-that-can-kill-kids-in-a-single-pill/)

I have seen that study.... I was just wondering if that kind of dose in an extedned release formula has been known to be typically lethal. The toddler is not at home at the moment, but I have Extreme OCD and I am going to be in panic mode until I find it. typically is this dose lethal for children is what I am concerned about.... I am a very concerned and over protective parent lol Sorry!

Has this ever been prescribed to children in the past?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Allowed dose is 1 to 2 mg per kg body weight

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I appreciate your efforts are searching information on the lethal effects of oxycodone.

Oxycodone should not be given to children. However it has been given in extreme cases and is termed "off label" use for pain reduction. This is not a routine practice and given only in severe pain as in fractures.

Literature in this regard states the following "Oxycodone is not approved for pediatric use, but immediate-release tablets, solution, liquid concentrate are used off-label in children, initially at 0.1 to 0.2 milligrams per kilogram per dose given every 4 to 6 hours as needed ".

Extended release tablets should be avoided for children.

The average baby weight in a 17 year old is 11.5 kg. This translates to a permissible dose of 1.15 to 2.30 mg. A 10 mg pill will contain 4 to 8 times the allowed dose.

I understand your situation, good that the kid is still not home. You may please make a complete search for the pill where it could have been dropped.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 minutes later)
Thank you so much! That was the information I was seeking! have a great day!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome and wish you a good day too.

There is a small typing error in my last message.

It should have read
........The average baby weight in a 17 "MONTH" old is 11.5 kg.

Sorry for the mistake.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Oxycontin Inatke Dangerous For Children?

Brief Answer: Oxycodone pills can be lethal to most kids Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. The concern of having a 17 months old kid around is understandable. According to one study, 50 percent of toddlers who took two 5 mg tablets became rapidly ill within an hour. For an infant, even half of a tablet of hydrocodone or hydrocodone can be lethal. Please make a complete search at places where it is most likely that you have dropped the pill. Do not allow your kid alone till you might have searched at all the places commonly accessible to your kid. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek