Codeine

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Approved Treatment Indication :

Pain, Cough

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Summary

What conditions is Codeine used for?
Codeine is an opioid analgesic primarily used for relieving mild to moderate pain and suppressing cough. It is often prescribed for postoperative pain, injuries, arthritis, and severe colds. In certain cases, it may also be used to manage diarrhea.
How does Codeine work in the body?
Codeine is a prodrug that converts into morphine in the liver. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which alters the perception of pain and suppresses the cough reflex. This results in pain relief and reduced coughing, but may also cause sedation and respiratory depression.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Codeine?
For adults, the typical dose of codeine is 15-60 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 360 mg per day. Its use in children is restricted due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of respiratory depression. Codeine can be taken with or without food.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Codeine?
Common side effects of Codeine include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth. Serious risks include respiratory depression, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. Overdose can lead to slow breathing, unconsciousness, and in severe cases, death.
What are the important safety warnings and contraindications for Codeine?
Codeine should be avoided by people with asthma, severe respiratory conditions, liver disease, or a history of drug addiction. It's not recommended for children under 12 and should be used cautiously in elderly patients. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use. It's also advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery while on this medication due to its sedative effects.

Approvals

US(FDA), EU(EMA)

Essential Medicine

YES

Teratogenicity

N/A

Pharmaceutical Class

Opioid Agonist

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Drug Ingredient

Codeine

Know More About This Medicine -

Summary

What conditions is Codeine used for?
Codeine is an opioid analgesic primarily used for relieving mild to moderate pain and suppressing cough. It is often prescribed for postoperative pain, injuries, arthritis, and severe colds. In certain cases, it may also be used to manage diarrhea.
How does Codeine work in the body?
Codeine is a prodrug that converts into morphine in the liver. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which alters the perception of pain and suppresses the cough reflex. This results in pain relief and reduced coughing, but may also cause sedation and respiratory depression.
What are the usual dosages and routes of administration for Codeine?
For adults, the typical dose of codeine is 15-60 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 360 mg per day. Its use in children is restricted due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of respiratory depression. Codeine can be taken with or without food.
What are the most commonly observed adverse effects of Codeine?
Common side effects of Codeine include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth. Serious risks include respiratory depression, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. Overdose can lead to slow breathing, unconsciousness, and in severe cases, death.
What are the important safety warnings and contraindications for Codeine?
Codeine should be avoided by people with asthma, severe respiratory conditions, liver disease, or a history of drug addiction. It's not recommended for children under 12 and should be used cautiously in elderly patients. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use. It's also advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery while on this medication due to its sedative effects.

Indications and Purpose

What is Codeine used for?

Codeine is mainly used for pain relief and cough suppression. It is prescribed for post-operative pain, injuries, arthritis, and severe colds. It may also be used in some cases for diarrhea due to its effects on the digestive system.

How does Codeine work?

Codeine is a prodrug that converts into morphine in the liver. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, altering pain perception and suppressing the cough reflex. This results in pain relief and reduced coughing but may also cause sedation and respiratory depression.

Is Codeine effective?

Yes, codeine is effective for mild to moderate pain and cough suppression. Studies show that when combined with paracetamol (acetaminophen), it provides better pain relief than either drug alone. However, it is not suitable for long-term pain management due to the risk of tolerance and dependence.

How does one know if Codeine is working?

If taken for pain, you should feel less discomfort within 30-60 minutes. If used for cough, you should notice reduced coughing within the same timeframe. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for dose adjustment or alternative treatments.

Directions for Use

What is the usual dose of Codeine?

For adults, the usual dose is 15-60 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 360 mg per day. For children (if prescribed), the dose depends on weight and age, but its use in children is restricted due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of respiratory depression.

How do I take Codeine?

Codeine can be taken with or without food. To avoid stomach upset, it is best taken with food or milk. Take it with a full glass of water, and avoid alcohol while using this medication, as it can increase drowsiness and breathing problems.

For how long do I take Codeine?

Codeine is usually prescribed for short-term use due to its potential for dependency and tolerance. If used for more than a few days, regular evaluation by a doctor is needed to assess continued need and prevent addiction.

How long does it take for Codeine to start working?

Codeine starts working within 30-60 minutes after ingestion. The peak effect is reached in about 1-2 hours, providing pain relief or cough suppression. The effects usually last 4-6 hours, depending on the dose.

How should I store Codeine?

Store codeine at room temperature (20-25°C), away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of reach of children and never share it with others. Proper disposal of unused tablets is essential to prevent misuse and accidental ingestion.

Warnings and Precautions

Who should avoid taking Codeine?

People with asthma, severe respiratory conditions, liver disease, or a history of drug addiction should avoid codeine. It is not recommended for children under 12 and should be used cautiously in elderly patients. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use.

Can I take Codeine with other prescription drugs?

Codeine interacts with sedatives, antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), muscle relaxants, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. Combining these can increase the risk of extreme drowsiness, breathing problems, or overdose. Always check with your doctor before taking codeine with other medications.

Can I take Codeine with vitamins or supplements?

Codeine has no major interactions with vitamins, but some supplements like magnesium or St. John’s Wort may increase drowsiness. Avoid taking it with herbal sedatives like valerian root or melatonin, as these can enhance its sedative effects.

Can Codeine be taken safely while pregnant?

Codeine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it can cause breathing problems in newborns. If necessary, it should be used only under strict medical supervision. Long-term use can lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns.

Can Codeine be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Codeine passes into breast milk and can cause breathing problems in infants. Some mothers metabolize codeine into morphine at a higher rate, increasing the risk of overdose in the baby. It is generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by a doctor.

Is Codeine safe for the elderly?

Elderly patients are more sensitive to sedative effects, dizziness, and fall risks. Codeine should be used with caution in seniors, as they may have slower drug metabolism, leading to prolonged effects. Lower doses and close monitoring are recommended.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Codeine?

Exercise is generally safe, but codeine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and reduced coordination, making some activities risky. Avoid high-intensity workouts, heavy lifting, or sports that require quick reflexes. If you feel lightheaded, rest and hydrate before continuing exercise.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Codeine?

No, alcohol enhances the sedative effects of codeine, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness, and overdose. Even small amounts can make you feel dizzy or confused. It’s best to completely avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.