Codeine
Codeine Information

About Codeine

Codeine (Phosphate) is the 3-methyl ether of morphine. It can be obtained from opium, present in a concentartion of less than 0.5% or synthesized by methylation of morphine.a narcotic analgesic (relieves the pain without causing sleep). Codeine (Phosphate) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. it is also used as a cough suppressant.

Indications

Codeine is primarily indicated in conditions like Cough, Diarrhoea, Mild to moderate pain, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Anxiety, Control of agitated states in elderly without confusion.

Contraindication

Codeine is contraindicated in conditions like Asthma,Respiratory depression,Raised intracranial pressure.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Codeine, which give rise to further complications include Hallucinations.Codeine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Respiratory depression. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Codeine therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Codeine include Hypotension, Convulsions, Respiratory depression, Deepening coma, Circulatory failure.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Codeine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Vertigo, Nausea, Vomiting, Palpitation, Constipation, Dry mouth, Bradycardia, Facial flushing, SweatingX, Miosis, Ureteric spasm, Biliary spasm, Mood changes.

Warnings

Codeine phosphate should be used with caution, and reduced the initial dose in patients with acute abdominal conditions, convulsive disorders, kidney or liver impairment, fever, hypothyroidism, in patients with recent gastrointestinal or urinary tract surgery. It should be used with caution in very young or elderly patients.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.