Injection pain, can be diminished with the use of a topical anesthetic cream. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may relieve minor pain. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents are preferable for inflammatory conditions such as otitis and pharyngitis. Tylenol with codeine may also be given for painful ear infections. A pain reliever may be indicated in the 24-48 hour interval before antibiotics are effective for these conditions.
Severe pain requires more aggressive therapy.
Diseases such cancer, sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis require opiod therapy, such as Demerol. Fears that children may become addicted to pain killers are probably unfounded. Parents may devalue their children's pain, e.g., when receiving injections. However, parents rarely devalue pain as a symptom that prompts an office visit. Adv Nurs Practitioners .