Neonatal drug withdrawal

Pediatrics. 2012 Feb;129(2):e540-60. doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-3212. Epub 2012 Jan 30.

Abstract

Maternal use of certain drugs during pregnancy can result in transient neonatal signs consistent with withdrawal or acute toxicity or cause sustained signs consistent with a lasting drug effect. In addition, hospitalized infants who are treated with opioids or benzodiazepines to provide analgesia or sedation may be at risk for manifesting signs of withdrawal. This statement updates information about the clinical presentation of infants exposed to intrauterine drugs and the therapeutic options for treatment of withdrawal and is expanded to include evidence-based approaches to the management of the hospitalized infant who requires weaning from analgesics or sedatives.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / adverse effects*
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Substance Abuse Detection

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Benzodiazepines