Archives of disease in childhood
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This study compared the availability and the licensing status of analgesic drugs marketed in three European countries (Italy, France and the UK) and evaluated the evidence on safety and efficacy in the paediatric population of the drugs reported in the European Medicines Evaluation (EMA) document "Assessment of Pediatric Needs: Pain" (2005). Ten of 17 drugs reported in the EMA document were marketed with a paediatric licence in all three countries but with wide differences concerning age groups. ⋯ Access to, and the rational use, of drugs to prevent or control pain and its functional consequences pose a considerable challenge. There is a pressing need for further research and clinical development in the assessment and management of pain in children.