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When we were vacationing in Canada, I picked up some Tylenol 3 for our family (we live in the U.S.). Is it safe to use with children?
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Tyleonol 3 is a by-prescription-only drug in the United States, which means it is a regulated or controlled substance. In Canada, Tylenol 3 is sold as an over-the-counter medication. The pharmacies there do have limits on how many bottles you can purchase at one time. But there is nothing to stop someone from going to various pharmacies or going more than once to stock up. In fact, like you, many Americans do just that on trips across the border.
But there's a reason why this drug is regulated more closely in the United States -- the formulation contains codeine. Codeine is an opiate and as such, a powerful pain reliever. The down side of codeine is the potential for side effects: anything from itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure to depression and constipation. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to codeine, such as swelling and skin rashes.
In babies and young children, there have been reports of unexpected death making this a drug that is potentially very dangerous in this age group. Some experts recommend taking codeine off the market completely for use with infants and young children. Some hospitals in Canada have already done this. This action may seem drastic but with babies and pre-verbal children who can't communicate their symptoms, it's the safest way to ensure no one dies as a result of codeine use. And since there are acceptable, safe, and effective alternatives, children don't have to suffer pain unnecessarily.
Always consult with your pediatrician and/or pharmacist before giving any over-the-counter (or other prescribed medications) to your children. The use of Tylenol 3 is under close scrutiny and study. Until clear guidelines have been published, children should not be given this drug without physician approval.
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