Category – Analgesic
Introduction:
Codeine is a type of narcotic pain medication that is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is derived from the opium poppy plant and belongs to the same family of drugs as morphine. Codeine has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It was first isolated by 1832 by an French Chemist named Pierre Robiquet. Since then, codeine has been used to treat a variety of medicinal conditions, including pain and coughing.It is also used, commonly in combination with other medicines.
Uses:
How to Consume:
Codeine should be taken as per prescribed by the doctor. The dosage form and quantity of the drug might be different for every pain and inflammation.
The approximate standard oral dosage for codeine is 130mg at interval of 3-4 hrs.
The approximate standard parental dose for codeine is 75mg at interval of 3-4 hrs.
This medication can be taken with or without food but mostly recommended to take with food with interval of 3-4 hrs as food reduces the effectiveness of the the particular medicine.
Keep the medication in a tightly closed container, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature between 20-25°C and away from excess heat(sunlight) and moisture.
Duration between two dose:
Codeine is normally taken at interval of 3-4hrs after food or as per prescribed by the doctor.
It is mostly taken in the format of morning, afternoon and night after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Side effects:
Some common side effects can be seen after taking Codeine-
Stomach pain
Difficulty in urination
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Light-headedness
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Sweating
Drug Mechanism:
Codeine works by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system called mu opioid receptors. The following sections describe codeine’s interaction with mu opioid receptors and its effect on pain perception.
Safety Measures:
When to see a doctor:
Agitation
Hallucinations
Shivering
Severe muscle stiffness
Loss of appetite
Unable to obtain or retain an erection
Irregular menstruation
Decreased sexual desire
Noisy or shallow breathing
Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
Rash
Changes in vision
Seizures
If condition form this occur you should immediately visit the doctor or it can be dangerous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.
Allergic reactions:
In rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis) to codeine.
Available Dosage Form:
Form:
Oral Tablet or (Capsule)
Strengths: 15mg, 30mg, 60mg
Intravenous (Injection)
Strengths: 30mg
Oral Solution (Linctus)
Strengths: 15mg
Child Dosage:
Dosage for children and adults below 50kgs-
The standard dosage for oral is 0.5mg at interval of 3-4hrs.
The standard dosage for parental is not recommended.
Adult Dosage:
Dosage for adults above 50kgs-
The standard dosage for oral is 30mg at interval of 3-4hrs.
The standard dosage for parental is 30mg at interval of 2hrs.(Intramuscular/ Subcutaneous)
Important Note:
Taking opioid medicine while pregnancy can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms to Newborns.
Stop taking all other narcotic pain medication when you start with codeine medication.
Swallow the entire capsule or tablet to prevent exposure to a life-threatening overdose, Do not chew, break, open or dissolve.
Excessive consumption of this medication can cause urination problems, liver or kidney disease.
Do not continue taking of the drug without informing doctor.
Do not drink alcohol once you have taken the medication.
Do not increase your dose or use it more frequently or for longer than prescribed.
Follow the complete treatment prescribed by the physician, do not skip a dose in the treatment.
Various Brands:
Reference:
Classification of chronic pain. Descriptions of chronic pain syndromes and definitions of pain terms. Prepared by the International Association for the Study of Pain, Subcommittee on Taxonomy. Pain Suppl.
Matthys H, Bleicher B, Bleicher U. Dextromethorphan and codeine: objective assessment of antitussive activity in patients with chronic cough. J Int Med Res. 1983;11(2):92-100. [PubMed]
DePriest AZ, Puet BL, Holt AC, Roberts A, Cone EJ. Metabolism and Disposition of Prescription Opioids: A Review. Forensic Sci Rev. 2015 Jul;27(2):115-45. [PubMed]
Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)
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