Codeine intoxication in childhood.

Clinical reports on 430 children with acute codeine intoxication are evaluated. Of 234 children who had taken more than 5 mg/kg body-weight, 8 had respiratroy arrest necessitating intubation and artificial ventilation; 2 of them died. In all other cases the intoxication produced one or more of the following symptoms: somnolence, ataxia, miosis, vomiting, rash, swelling, and itching of the skin, but no life-threatening side-effects. Close supervision of respiration is the main principle of management when more than 2 mg codeine/kg body-weight has been taken. Gastric voiding may be useful if done soon after ingestion. Charcoal and purgatives should be given in all cases.