Pediatric Pain Management

Always follow the directions for your child's pain medicine. Call your doctor if the pain does not get better or if it gets worse.

Try to give your child’s medicine at the same time each day. Remember medicine takes time to work. It may take 20 to 30 minutes to take effect. Your child may not feel the full effect for close to 1 hour.

Try to time when you give the pain medicine before your child starts an activity, such as dressing or sitting at the table for dinner. Giving the medicine at night may help your child get a good night’s rest.

You can try to give the medicine less often or in smaller amounts if your child’s pain is getting better.

What are the side effects of pain medicine?

Your child may have some side effects. These usually go away when your child stops taking the medicine. Side effects may include:

• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Can’t go pee
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling extreme happiness (euphoria)
• Seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Allergic reaction

It is common for pain medicines to make you constipated. Give your child lots of fruits and vegetables to eat. Eating foods high in fiber can help with constipation. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids. Talk to your health care team about bowel medicine, if needed.

When can your child do their activities?

Your child can do light activities around the home as soon as possible. Don’t let him or her lift anything heavier than *** pounds for *** weeks. Limit sports and tough activities for 1 to 2 weeks. Your child can do more activities as he or she is able.

How to keep your child comfortable?

Have your child wear loose-fitting clothes. This will cause less irritation to the incision. It will help keep your child comfortable.

Your child may shower. Gently wash around the incisions with soap and water. Don’t let him or her soak in a tub or go swimming until the incision is healed.