$Unique_ID{BRK01903}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CODEINE}
$Subject{Codeine Phosphate (various manufacturers)
Codeine Sulfate (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CODEINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Codeine Phosphate (various manufacturers)
     Codeine Sulfate (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Analgesic and cough suppressant
INGREDIENT:
     codeine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg)
STORAGE:
     Codeine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Codeine is a narcotic analgesic that acts directly on the central nervous
system (brain and spinal cord).  It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain
or to suppress coughing.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take codeine with food or milk.
     This drug works best if you take it at the onset of pain, rather than
waiting until the pain becomes intense.
     If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule and you miss a
dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for
your next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return
to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, false sense of
well-being, flushing, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, painful or
difficult urination, or sweating.  These side effects should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     If you feel dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated, sit or lie down for a
while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on
stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, breathing difficulties, excitation, fatigue, palpitations, rash,
restlessness, sore throat and fever, tremors, or weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Codeine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of this medication with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with
tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor taken within 14 days of this
medication can lead to unpredictable and severe side effects.
     3. Cimetidine, combined with this medication, can cause confusion,
disorientation, and shortness of breath.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to codeine or to any other narcotic analgesics (such
as hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and
propoxyphene).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had acute
abdominal conditions, asthma, brain disease, colitis, epilepsy, gallstones or
gallbladder disease, head injuries, heart disease, kidney disease, liver
disease, lung disease, mental illness, emotional disorders, prostate disease,
thyroid disease, or urethral stricture.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Before having surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your
doctor or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Because this product contains codeine, it has the potential for abuse
and must be used with caution.  Usually, it should not be taken on a regular
schedule for longer than ten days (unless your doctor directs you to do so).
Tolerance develops quickly; do not increase the dosage or stop taking the drug
abruptly unless you first consult your doctor.  If you have been taking large
amounts of this medication for long periods, you may experience a withdrawal
reaction (muscle aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, runny nose, nausea, vomiting,
shivering, trembling, stomach cramps, sleep disorders, irritability, weakness,
excessive yawning, or sweating) when you stop taking it.  Your doctor may,
therefore, want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during the early stages of pregnancy have not been thoroughly
studied in humans.  However, codeine, used regularly in large doses during the
later stages of pregnancy, can result in addiction of the fetus, leading to
withdrawal symptoms (irritability, excessive crying, tremors, fever, vomiting,
diarrhea, sneezing, or excessive yawning) at birth.  Also, tell your doctor if
you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this medication may pass
into breast milk and cause excessive drowsiness in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
