FDA warns about use of codeine in children - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

NEW YORK (WKOW) --  Federal officials are warning physicians and caregivers about the risks of giving the pain reliever codeine to children who have just had surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

The Food and Drug Administration cites three cases where children died after being given codeine after their tonsils or adenoids were removed. A fourth child suffered nonfatal respiratory depression. The FDA says the children were given doses of codeine that were in the typical dose range.

FDA officials say some people metabolize codeine much faster than others, leading to greater risks of overdose and side effects, which can include death. It says if children who have been given codeine suffer side effects like unusual sleepiness, difficulty in waking, confusion, or difficulty breathing, they should stop giving codeine and seek medical attention.

For more information on the FDA's warning, click here.