Painkillers containing codeine can be fatal for young children.

The FDA has again issued a warning about the risk of death in young children from using painkillers containing codeine due to sleep apnea.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) reported that four children aged 2-5 years old "experienced problems" while taking medication containing this ingredient. Three of them died, and one suffered a life-threatening respiratory disorder.

The report states that these children have a gene mutation that produces an enzyme in the liver. This enzyme helps convert codeine into morphine, causing morphine levels to rise rapidly above normal, leading to respiratory depression.

Although the incidence of this gene mutation is only about 1-7%, in some ethnic groups this rate is very high, potentially reaching 30% in Africans.

Therefore, the FDA is urging healthcare professionals to be aware of the risk of rapid conversion of codeine to morphine in children, especially those who have had their tonsils removed or undergone surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Doctors prescribing codeine should note that it should be used at the lowest possible dose, for the shortest possible time, and only when absolutely necessary.

According to Tuoi Tre/ FDA's News Release - NT