Emergency Medical Minute

Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD Educational Pearls: How do we take care of kids in severe pain? There are many non-pharmacologic options for pain (i.e. ice, elevation) as well as more conventional medication options (i.e. acetaminophen, NSAIDS) but in severe pain stronger medications might be indicated. These stronger medications include options such as IV morphine, a subdissociative dose of ketamine, as well as intranasal fentanyl. Intranasal fentanyl has many advantages: Studies have shown it might be more effective early on in controlling pain, as in the first 15-20 minutes after administration, and then becomes equivalent to other pain control options Total adverse effects were also lower with IN fentanyl, including low rates of nausea and vomiting To administer, use the IV formulation with an atomizer and spray into the nose; therefore, you do not need an IV line Dose is 1-2 micrograms per kilogram, can be redosed once at 10 minutes.  Don’t forget about gabapentinoids for neuropathic pain, muscle relax