784 EFFECTS OF CONCURRENT ANTIBIOTICS ON PAIN MEDICATION REQUIREMENTS

Abstract

In vitro human brain studies have indicated that aminoglycoside antibiotics may inhibit degradation of enkephalins. This study was designed to determine if requirements for pain medications in hospitalized children vary in relation to concurrent antibiotics. No published information exists concerning possible variations in amounts of pain medications required when children are concurrently receiving antibiotics. Charts of 420 children consecutively admitted to Minneapolis Children's Medical Center for surgical procedures were reviewed. Children were included in the study if they were between 2 and 17 years; were not on antibiotics or pain medications; had no prior training in self regulation techniques; and hospitalization totaled 3 days or more. Data analyzed included age, sex, diagnosis, procedures, frequency and amount of pain medications; time, frequency and amount of antibiotics; and total days of hospitalization. The study included 284 children. Of these, 118 received no antibiotics; 59 received aminoglycoside antibiotics; and 107 received non-aminoglycoside antibiotics only.

Children on aminoglycoside antibiotics required significantly less narcotics on day 1 but an amount equal to non-aminoglycoside antibiotics on days 2 and 3. Children receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics received more doses of all pain medications than did other children; no differences were found when compared for prophylactic or therapeutic indications. Of 12 children who required no pain medications over the first 3 days of hospitalization, 7 were on aminoglycoside antibiotics and 5 were on other antibiotics.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD