Nasal Spray Provides Rapid Pain Relief for Children in Emergency Care

Pain in children treated in emergency departments can be difficult to control quickly, and inadequate analgesia may increase distress for both patients and families during urgent care. Treatment options can be limited, while some approaches require injections that may add further discomfort. A new study now shows that a nasal spray treatment may provide rapid, needle-free pain relief for pediatric emergency patients.

The research was conducted through Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the University of Sheffield, and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. The study evaluated a nasal spray combining two analgesic medications, sufentanil and ketamine, with dosing adjusted to each child’s weight by varying the number of sprays administered. The approach was designed to provide a simple, weight-based dosing system for children experiencing moderate to severe pain.

The study included 152 children ages one to 17 years who were treated at seven hospital emergency departments in the UK and Spain between May 2024 and May 2025. Most children had limb injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Other participants had burns or soft tissue injuries. Pain levels and side effects were assessed at 15 minutes and 30 minutes after treatment using standard assessments.

The findings were presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress (EUSEM 2026). After 15 minutes, 54% of children had less pain. After 30 minutes, 88% had less pain, and pain was reduced by around half in 86.2% of children. Reported side effects were mild and included nausea or vomiting, dizziness and nasal itching.

The nasal spray was tested for the European Medicines Agency pediatric-use marketing authorization scheme, which is intended to encourage manufacturers to develop and adapt medications specifically for children. The treatment is expected to become available for use in Europe in the near future.

“Our research shows that this drug can provide rapid and meaningful pain relief for children being treated in the emergency department. Children tolerated the nose spray well with no major side effects. This is good news for children and their families. This also gives doctors a simple and effective option for treating their patients where very few options currently exist,” said Shammi Ramlakhan, an emergency medicine consultant working at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.

Related Links
University of Sheffield
Sheffield Hallam University