The American Academy of Pediatrics has strengthened its warnings about prescribing codeine for children because of reports of deaths and risks for dangerous side effects, including breathing problems.
The academy’s advice, published Sept. 19 in a report in its medical journal, Pediatrics, mirrors warnings from the Food and Drug Administration about using codeine for kids’ coughs or pain.
Studies suggest it is still commonly prescribed by doctors and dentists despite the risks and lack of evidence that it works to relieve coughs.
