Codeine

Uses	Pain relief, cough, diarrhoea
Therapy	Opioid Analgesics
Side Effects	Drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory depression, blurred vision

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Molecule Description

Codeine comes under the therapeutic classification of Opioid Analgesics. It is used as an analgesic to relieve cough and the symptomatic treatment of Chronic Diarrhoea. It is indicated in patients older than 12 years. It is used for relieving acute moderate pain, which cannot be reduced by other analgesics like ibuprofen or paracetamol alone.

Uses

Analgesic (pain relief)
Cough
Diarrhoea

Contraindications

When should one not use Codeine

If you have any hypersensitivity reaction to Codeine

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Constipation
Drowsiness
Confusion
Dizziness
Headache
Lightheadedness
Restlessness
Nausea
Vomiting
Weakness
Blurred vision
Respiratory depression

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Codeine is a category C risk pregnancy drug. Studies have shown that it leads to harmful effects on the baby. Neonatal infants can experience Neonatal withdrawal syndrome. So it is not advisable to take this medicine during pregnancy. However, consult your doctor for advice.

Breast Feeding

It is not recommended while breastfeeding. It can be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant. Symptoms of opioid toxicity can be fatal in infants. Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving

Codeine can affect your ability to drive. It can impair the mental or physical abilities of such hazardous tasks. It can cause effects like confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, blurred visions, which can be very dangerous while driving. So it isn't advisable to drive if you are under this medication.

Alcohol

No. It isn't recommended to consume alcohol with Codeine. It can cause additive depressant effects.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Your pain does not get better, or it gets worse.
Your cough does not get better, or it gets worse.
You notice addictive symptoms.
You are pregnant or planning to conceive.
You have hepatic or renal failure.
If you've undergone gastrointestinal surgery

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Codeine can exert its action on the body by converting it into morphine. It is metabolised into morphine with the help of the enzyme CYP2D6. Morphine produces its analgesic effect by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Thus, it reduces the perception or sensation of pain transmission.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Benzodiazepines: Respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Monoamine oxidase Inhibitors: Central Nervous System excitation or depression
Central Nervous System Depressants
Other Narcotic analgesics
Tranquillisers

Interactions with food items

Do not consume alcohol or medications containing alcohol while using Codeine. This interaction can affect the nervous system and cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty in concentration, and impairment in thinking and judgement.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose of Codeine can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of overdose can be confusion, shallow breathing, small pupils, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It can also lead to circulatory and respiratory depression in severe conditions, which can be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical treatment.

Missed a Dose

Do not skip your regular dose. Take your typical dosage as prescribed by your doctor. If you have missed your medication, try to take it as soon as possible. But if it is almost time for your next dosage, skip your missed dose. Do not take a double dose to substitute your missed dose, as it can cause serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Sudden stoppage of Codeine can cause withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, perspiration, lacrimation, chills, myalgia, mydriasis, palpitations, tremors, irritability, hyperkinesia, insomnia, weakness, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

No. It is not suitable for all age groups. Codeine is not recommended for children below 12 years. Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

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