Common Drug May Boost SIDS Risk
Posted August 20, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A commonly used painkiller could play a role in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and medical experts are advising new mothers to rethink how they treat pain.
Tylenol 3 and other medications containing codeine are often given to new mothers after birth for pain relief. But the codeine passes through the mother’s breast milk and can have dire consequences for the baby.
“In the severe or tragic case, the baby will stop breathing,” explains Dr. Gideon Koren, Dir., Motherisk, Sick Kids Hospital.
Dr. Koren has conducted research into codeine and he says it can be dangerous because of the way the body processes the drug.
“Codeine turns into morphine in our body, which is the way to fight the pain.”
Some people genetically metabolize the drug more quickly, including a Toronto mom, who inadvertently fed her baby a lethal dose after taking Tylenol 3.
The baby essentially overdosed on her breast milk and died when he was just 13 days old.
“We found a lot of morphine in the baby’s blood,” Dr. Koren said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates at least 3 babies die every week from SIDS.
Here’s are some credible resources on the suspected causes of SIDS and how you may be able to prevent it.
Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines
The Hospital for Sick Children Motherisk Program – (416) 813-6780
The Hospital for Sick Children issued a warning to breastfeeding mothers about the risks of using codeine, which is commonly prescribed following an episiotomy or caesarian section. Click here to read the centre’s research.
Breastfeeding Resources:
Motherisk – Hospital for Sick Children
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