The CDC has just released an updated clinical practice guideline for prescribing Opioids for Pain. Although, the guideline is for patients over 18 years of age, pediatric practitioners often consult adult guidelines to guide their own practice. The guideline addresses the following four areas: 1) determining whether or not to initiate opioids for pain, 2) selecting opioids and determining opioid dosages, 3) deciding duration of initial opioid prescription and conducting follow-up, and 4) assessing risk and addressing potential harms of opioid use.

Follow to review this important update: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm.