Codeine Pharmacology

Codeine

About Codeine
An opiate, methylmorphine , Narcotic analgesic, antitussive, and antidiarrheal.
Mechanism of Action of Codeine
Codeine exerts it`s action through opioid receptors and posses antitussive properties. It selectively and directly acts on cough centre and suppresses cough. It also posses analgesic action due to it`s agonistic action on opioid receptors.
Pharmacokinets of Codeine
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral and parenteral administration. Distribution: Widely distributed in the body; it crosses placenta and also enters in to the breast milk. Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver by demethylation and glucuronide conjugation, Excretion: Excreted mainly in the urine as nor codeine and free and conjugated morphine.
Onset of Action for Codeine
Oral: 30 to 45 minutes
I.V.: Rapid
I.M.: 10 to 30 minutes
S.C.: 10 to 30 minutes
Duration of Action for Codeine
Oral: 4 to 6 hours
I.V.: 4 to 6 hours
I.M.: 4 to 6 hours
S.C.: 4 to 6 hours
Half Life of Codeine
N/A
Side Effects of Codeine
1. Constipation
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Drymouth
5. Respiratory depression
6. Hypotension
7. Bradycardia
8. Dizziness
9. Sedation
10. Euphoria
11. Urine retention
12. Flushing
13. Pruritus
14. Diaphoresis
15. Physical dependence.
Contra-indications of Codeine
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug
2. Bronchial asthma
3. Increased intracranial pressure
4. Respiratory depression
5. Paralytic ileus
6. Head injury
7. Alcoholism
8. Diverticulitis
9. Following bowel surgery.
Special Precautions while taking Codeine
1. Renal impairment
2. Hepatic impairment
3. Increased CSF pressure
4. Hypothyroidism
5. Addison`s disease
6. COPD
7. In deliberate individuals
8. Prostatic hypertrophy
9. Epilepsy
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Codeine
1. Nonproductive cough
2. Mild to moderate pain.
Interactions for Codeine
N/A
Typical Dosage for Codeine
Adults:
Oral:
Nonproductive cough:10 to 20mg 4 times daily;Maximum dose: 120mg/day
Oral, S.C., I.M.:
Mild to moderate pain:15 to 60mg Orally, S.C., or I.M.;4 to 6 times daily as required by the patient.

Children:
Oral:
Nonproductive cough:
Over 12 years: 10 to 20mg 4 times daily
Age 6 to 12: 5 to 10mg 4 times daily;Maximum dose: 60mg/day
Age 2 to 6: 1mg/kg/day as four equally divided doses and do not exceed 30mg in 24 hours.
Oral, S.C., I.M.:
Mild to moderate pain:0.5mg/kg orally every 4 to 6 hours or 0.5mg/kg S.C. or I.M.
Schedule of Codeine
H
Storage Requirements for Codeine
Store at controlled room temperature at a range of 15 to 30 degree C and protects from light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Codeine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Codeine
Establish adequate respiratory exchange via a patent airway and ventilation as needed. Administer opioid antagonist Naloxone to reverse respiratory depression use repeatedly as required. (Naloxone shouldn`t be administered unless patient has clinically significant respiratory or cardiovascular depression.). If patient shows signs and symptoms within 2 hours of ingestion empty the stomach by gastric lavage and induced emesis. Reduce absorption by administration of activated charcoal. Closely monitor vital parameters and correct fluid and electrolyte balance. Provide symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Home Delivery for Codeine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including codeine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for codeine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for codeine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take codeine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for codeine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for codeine with the pharmacy.

Codeine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for codeine might be better known than codeine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have codeine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for codeine.