CODEINE PHOSPHATE

Opioid analgesic, antitussive and antispasmodic that reduces intestinal motility.

Dosage Forms

▼

Tablet

30 mg

Uses

▼
  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Excessive diarrhoea (in adults only)

Dose and Duration

▼
Persistent or chronic diarrhoea (adult only)
Adult and child > 12 years: 30 mg every 6–8 hours (usual dosage range 15–60 mg daily)
Mild to moderate pain
Adult: 30‒60 mg every 6‒12 hours as needed (maximum 240 mg daily)
Child 1-12 years: 0.5‒1 mg/kg every 4‒6 hours as needed

Contraindications

▼
  • Respiratory depression
  • Obstructive airway disease
  • Acute asthma attack
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis
  • Paralytic ileus
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Severe liver disease

Side Effects

▼
  • Constipation especially after long term use
  • Nausea and vomiting, dry mouth
  • Difficulty in urination
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Respiratory depression (with large doses)

Interactions

▼
  • Alcohol (increased sedative and hypotensive effect)
  • Ritonavir (increased concentration of codeine)

Patient Instructions

▼
  • Drink plenty of fluids during treatment

Pregnancy

▼
  • Do not use in 3rd trimester

Breastfeeding

▼
  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

▼
  • Codeine is a controlled drug (narcotic) and should be handled according to the NDA regulations
  • On long term use, always give with bisacodyl to prevent constipation
  • Reduce dose in kidney and liver impairment
  • Codeine is a weaker analgesic than morphine; use morphine for severe pain