Understanding how oxycodone works in young surgical patients

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenomics of Oral Oxycodone in Pediatric Surgical Patients

Phase 4 Interventional Boston Children's Hospital · NCT02044497

This study is testing how the pain medication oxycodone works in young children having surgery to see if their genes affect how the drug is processed in their bodies.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT02044497 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics of oral oxycodone in pediatric surgical patients at Boston Children's Hospital. It aims to understand how oxycodone is absorbed, metabolized, and excreted in children, particularly focusing on genetic factors that may affect drug metabolism. The study will involve administering oxycodone to opioid-naive children aged 0-6 years undergoing specific surgeries and measuring its metabolic activity alongside genetic analysis of relevant enzymes. This research seeks to establish a clearer understanding of oxycodone's effects in the pediatric population to optimize pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are generally healthy, opioid-naive children aged 0-6 years scheduled for specific surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients currently taking medications that affect CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 enzymes or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer and more effective pain management strategies for children undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on oxycodone in adults are common, this specific investigation into pediatric pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A total of 68 generally healthy, opioid-naive children, aged 0-6 years, scheduled as in-patient surgery for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement/revision or Craniotomy (Neurosurgery service), Cleft lip/palate repair (plastic surgery service) and hypospadias repair or ureteral urethral reimplantation (genitourinary surgery service) will be enrolled in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children will be excluded if they are currently taking any medications which are CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors/inducers or have a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to oxycodone, have any condition that might interfere with GI absorption, distribution, hepatic metabolism or renal excretion of r oxycodone, or a diagnosis of sleep apnea or impaired respiratory reserve.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pediatric Surgical Patientpharmacokineticspharmacogenomicsoral oxycodonepediatric surgical patients
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.