FDA further restricts pain medication use in kids

WVUE - U.S. regulators are strengthening warnings about the dangers of two types of powerful painkillers due to risks of slowed breathing and death.

The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it is requiring makers of prescription versions of the medicines, codeine and tramadol, to change the products' labels to warn against giving them to children under age 12, and to limit use in older children. The FDA also said breastfeeding women shouldn't take them because of possible harm to the baby.

Many of the products containing these drugs are only available by prescription, but several over-the-counter cough medicines contain codeine. The FDA urged parents to carefully read labels of nonprescription cough medicines to avoid codeine and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if needed.