Opioids can be used safely to ease acute pain and cancer pain in children. These drugs are frequently prescribed for pain relief in pediatric patients, though only some have been specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. The FDA notes that common pediatric uses of opioids include acute trauma or illness, burns, surgery and procedures, mechanical ventilation, cancer pain and sickle cell anemia crises.

There is limited research on the use of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain in children, and the effects of extended continuous opioid use on them are unclear.

One recent research project found that an opioid delivered through a skin patch helped children with cancer and other severe pain, with no more adverse affects than reported in adults.

Dosage adjustments may be necessary when prescribing opioids for children to prevent symptoms such as unusual excitement and restlessness. Newborns are more sensitive to the depressant effects of opioids such as morphine, and it may take longer for infants to clear opioids from their bodies. In addition, children under age 2 who use opioids may be prone to breathing problems.

People should never give opioids to children unless under supervision and guidance of a pediatrician.