Following conversations between the NCMD, NHS England and the BNF and BNFC editorial team, the BNF and BNFC’s guidance on medicines that cause drowsiness has been updated to help prevent co-sleeping deaths.
We’re pleased to share the news that the standard guidance issued by BNF and BNFC for medicines that can cause drowsiness has been updated in line with the findings of CDOPs around the country.
At the NCMD we have received reports from CDOPs that co-sleeping with a child while under the effects of medication that causes drowsiness can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the CDOPs in reporting relevant cases, the NCMD was able to approach the BNF and BNFC editorial team and ask them to consider highlighting the risks of co-sleeping within guidance on the use of cautionary and advisory label 2 – Warning: This medicine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol. The following statement, which incorporates feedback from the NCMD, was added to BNF and BNFC:
“Patients who are parents or carers of babies aged up to 12 months should be counselled on the risks of co-sleeping (sleeping with a baby on a bed, sofa, chair, etc.); for further information on safer sleeping and co-sleeping, see the Lullaby Trust at https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/safer-sleep-information/co-sleeping/“.
This means that when a pharmacist dispenses medication that may cause drowsiness they can check with the person receiving the medication whether they care for babies under the age of 12 months and if they do, they can share the safe sleeping message.
NCMD Deputy Director Vicky Sleap said: “This is a game changing development in the safe sleeping sphere because for the first time, at a population level, there is an opportunity for family members who may look after a baby – such as grandparents or aunts and uncles – to receive the safe sleeping message in addition to parents and carers. This shows the power of learning from child deaths. Child Death Overview Panels, the NCMD and NHS England have worked together to identify a change that needs to be made to help protect children and BNF and BNFC have recognised the importance of that change and taken action to implement it.”
Dr Anna Pease, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol, said: “Safer sleep advice and guidance saves thousands of babies’ lives every year. When it comes to co-sleeping, we know that some medications can make caregivers less responsive, but they may not always know about the link to sudden infant death syndrome. Including this advice at the source when medications are given out is an innovative and powerful way to make sure that everyone who looks after a baby has access to this life-saving advice.”