Which agent should not be used for continuous and extended pain relief in children?

Which agent should not be used for continuous and extended pain relief in children?

• A. Meperidine
• B. Morphine
• C. Fentanyl
• D. Acetaminophen

Answer: (A)

Meperidine should not be used for continuous and extended pain relief in children because its metabolite normeperidine can accumulate with repeated dosing and cause CNS toxicity—tremors, agitation, delirium, and seizures—especially in kids, those who are dehydrated, or with renal impairment. This makes it unsafe for long-term or ongoing analgesia. In contrast, morphine and fentanyl provide reliable, controllable continuous analgesia suitable for pediatric patients, while acetaminophen is appropriate for milder pain or as an adjunct.

Meperidine should not be used for continuous and extended pain relief in children because its metabolite normeperidine can accumulate with repeated dosing and cause CNS toxicity—tremors, agitation, delirium, and seizures—especially in kids, those who are dehydrated, or with renal impairment. This makes it unsafe for long-term or ongoing analgesia. In contrast, morphine and fentanyl provide reliable, controllable continuous analgesia suitable for pediatric patients, while acetaminophen is appropriate for milder pain or as an adjunct.