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New Way to Give Medications to Children
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Posted on: 06/30/2011
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Pills that taste bad or are too hard to swallow can be difficult to get down even for adults. But when it comes to giving meds with similar problems to children, the task can be impossible.
That's why scientists have started finding alternative ways to administer medications. One of those ways is called intranasal atomized medications. As the word intranasal suggests, the medication is delivered into the nose. Atomized tells us the drug is broken down into tiny particles that are sprayed into the nasal passages.
The drug still has to be sprayed twice (once on each side) but the amount of medication that is absorbed is much greater than with nose (nasal) drops. The child tolerates intranasal atomized medications well because a special device called a mucosal atomizer is used. This tool is inserted into the nasal opening and delivers the drug quickly and easily.
Intranasal atomized medications can be used for drugs that must be given over a long period of time (e.g., daily seizure medication). They can be used for more immediate problems like nosebleeds or a narcotic drug overdose. Orthopedic surgeons like this method of drug delivery to manage pain and for sedation before and during surgery.
Surgeons say that atomized intranasal pain relievers are really appreciated when the child is in severe pain from bone fractures, joint dislocations, or other orthopedic emergencies.
Other physicians sing their praises when it comes to managing pain from burns or large surface injuries to the skin (called abrasions). And during an emergency, using a spray on a child rather than poking around to gain access to a vein for an intravenous delivery significantly reduces anxiety and trauma associated with the injury and its treatment. The intranasal spray is also helpful in first calming a child when an IV is unavoidable.
There's one other big advantage in using intranasal atomized medications in children and that's reducing parental distress. When the child is sedated before surgery, there is less distress in separating the parent and child in order to take the child into the operating room.
There are other uses for atomized intranasal medications besides surgery. This type of drug administration can be used before subjecting children to procedures that may frighten them (e.g., imaging studies such as MRIs or CT scans). Dentists and oral surgeons may find the device helpful when it is necessary to give the child an anti-anxiety medication.
Most medications administered for pain control are tasteless and odorless. Even so, some meds are just plain nasty to taste. Avoiding unpleasant taste may be impossible even with an intranasal spray. When burning sensation is a problem, a small amount of numbing agent such as lidocaine can be added to the atomizer device.
Studies show that intranasal drug delivery isn't as effective as intravenous administration (with a needle into the vein). But that can be remedied by increasing the amount of drug (dosage) atomized into the nasal passageways. The sedating (calming) effects of drugs given intranasally are slower than the intravenous (IV) route but not by much.
Intranasal medication for children has not received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yet. That doesn't mean physicians can't use this method of drug delivery. Proper equipment must be used by health care professionals who are trained and skilled in using this form of drug delivery. With continued studies enough evidence will eventually be gathered to support FDA approval.
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References:
Susan E. Warrington, PharmD and Robert J. Kuhn, PharmD, FPPAG. Use of Intranasal Medications in Pediatric Patients. In Orthopedics. June 2011. Vol. 34. No. 6. Pp. 456-459.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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