Codeine

Codeine is an analgesic drug, whose effects are similar to those of morphine, but with the softer sedative effect and much weaker analgesic action. Codeine is also used as antitussive and antidiarrheal drug.

Indications for use

Codeine phosphate is used for the treatment of weak and moderate pain syndromes and symptomatic relief of non-productive cough and diarrhea.

Directions for use

Codeine phosphate is taken orally. Recommended dose for the pain relief, the children over the age of 12 and adults is 1-2 pills (30 – 60 mg) with an interval of 4 hours. Maximal daily dose is 240 mg. Further increase of dose is not appropriate, as it doesn’t lead to the increase of analgesic effect. The course of treatment for the relief of postoperative acute pain syndrome usually doesn’t exceed 5 – 7 days. Maximal course dose is 1.2- 1.68 g.

Recommended dose for the relief of non-productive cough and diarrhea children over the age of 12 and adults is 15 – 30 mg (? – 1 pill) 3 – 4 times a day. Old patients with liver and/or renal dysfunctions should take low doses of Codeine phosphate upon the doctor’s recommendation.

Contraindications

Codeine phosphate is contraindicated in the case of hypersensitivity to codeine, other opioids or any drug ingredients in anamnesis. In acute respiratory depression (depressed respiration), COPD (particularly emphysema), asthma (you shouldn’t take opioids during asthmatic attack), liver failure, brain injuries or conditions, accompanied by increased intracranial pressure, influence of alcohol, risk of paralytic intestinal obstruction. Pregnancy and lactation period.

The use of Codeine can cause such side effects as sickness, vomiting, stool disorders (constipation), depression of respiratory center, anorexia, headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, changes in blood pressure, and spasms in digestive tract, confusion, depressive state, tinnitus, cramps, nervousness and decreased urine output.

Simultaneous use of CNS depressants (including opioid analgesics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and clonidine) may increase the action of codeine.

Simultaneous use of morphine derivatives can increase respiratory center depression; ibuprofen – increased analgesic action; carbamazepine- possible increase of analgesic action, apparently caused by the elevated formation of metabolite of codeine normorfin that has a stronger action.

Simultaneous use of Chinidinum reduces or practically eliminates the analgesic action of codeine.

Simultaneous use of ethanol increases the impact on psychomotor functions.