Management of neonatal abstinence syndrome from opioids.

Most infants at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome have opioid plus another drug exposure; polypharmacy is the rule rather than the exception. Scales for evaluation of neonatal abstinence syndrome are primarily based for opioid withdrawal. A standard protocol to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome has not been developed. Institute nonpharmacologic strategies for all neonates at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mechanism-directed therapy (treat opioid withdrawal with an opioid) as the first-line therapy. Second-line medications are currently under evaluation.