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Generic Name : CODEINE

ABSTRACT –

Often considered as narcotic pain reliever, Codeine is an opioid pain medication that is used to relieve a patient from pain which may range from mild to severely moderate levels. This drug is classified under ‘Antitussives’ or ‘Narcotic Analgesics’.

DOSAGE –

• Codeine is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Do not stop taking this drug unless advised so.
• This opioid medication is not to be shared with anyone.
• Discard drug case as soon as the course has been terminated.
• To avoid an upset stomach, this drug is recommended to be consumed with food or milk.
• General Adult Dosage available:

Opioid medication (Oral) – sulfate 30mg/60mg; phosphate 30mg/60mg

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Itching/Rashes

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Shallow breathing
• Slow heart rate
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Manic mood behavior
• Seizures
• Difficulty urinating
• Serotonin syndrome

LONG-TERM EFFECTS –

• Drug abuse or drug dependency
• May affect fertility in both men and women for an unknown duration of time

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Alprazolam
• Aripiprazole
• Asenapine
• Amobarbital
• Baclofen
• Brexpiprazole
• Butalbital
• Butorphanol
• Clonazepam
• Estazolam
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Loxapine
• Morphine
• Pentobarbital
• Suvorexant
• Tapentadol

Codeine has major interactions with 108 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Abiraterone
• Acebutolol
• Alfuzosin
• Betaxolol
• Biperidin
• Bisoprolol
• Bumetanide
• Celecoxib
• Eliglustat
• Furosemide
• Hyoscamine
• Irbesartan
• Ketamine
• Lithium
• Nadolol
• Opium

Codeine has moderate interactions with 306 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Provide the doctor with a detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of liver diseases, asthmatic conditions, respiratory conditions, kidney diseases, brain tumors, low blood pressure, pancreatic/gall bladder disorder, enlarged prostate or any mental health disorder.
• Do not use this drug in case of breathing problems, asthmatic conditions, and blockages in the intestines or stomach with episodes of hyperventilation.
• Take care not to use cold/allergy medications, other narcotics, sedatives such as Valium, or any other medication that may slow breathing or cause drowsiness, while on drug course.
• Keep patient hydrated regularly (6-8 glasses of water a day) to avoid constipation while on drug course.
• Avoid this drug while pregnant, as it may be life threatening to the user.
• Avoid nursing while on drug course as this drug may transfer through breast milk and cause life threatening side effects for the user or the newborn.
• Avoid alcohol while on drug course, along with any other drug that slows down the rate of breathing or causes drowsiness.

WARNINGS –

• In certain patients, codeine breaks down rapidly in the liver, causing higher levels in the body that can even lead to death. This is especially prevalent in children. Hence, it is necessary to take precautions and consultation prior to prescription.
• This drug can, in certain cases, cause serotonin syndrome. Follow doctor’s advice as to how to take this drug and how to avoid dependency.
• A slight overdose of the medication can cause severe symptoms – abuse, addiction and even death.
• This drug can be dangerous as it is a habit-forming drug and can lead to drug abuse and dependency. Reach out for mental and medical health if it is ever needed.
• Do not ever share medication with another.
• Keep out of reach of children. This drug is not recommended for anyone below the age of 18.
• In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include muscle weakness, extremely slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, coma or even death.