Codeine – what does it help for? The composition of the drug, action, side effects of use

Codeine (Efferalgan Codeine) are effervescent tablets with paracetamol and codeine phosphate with analgesic and antitussive properties. Codeine also has an antipyretic effect. The drug is used, inter alia, in the case of colds and to relieve pain that occurs with inflammation of teeth, joints and accompanying cancer

What is the composition and action of Codeine?

The active substances in Codeine are paracetamol and codeine phosphate. Paracetamol has an analgesic and antipyretic effect, while codeine soothes dry cough and facilitates expectoration.

When is Codeine used?

The indications for the use of Codeine are pain of various origins, such as toothache, joint pain, pains after various types of injuries, including after surgery, during cancer and dysmenorrhea. Codeine is also used in ailments related to colds and flu, especially to relieve symptoms such as dry, tiring cough and fever.

Dosage of Codeine

The dosage of Codeine is determined by the doctor individually for the patient. The medicine is in the form of effervescent tablets that should be dissolved in a little liquid, preferably water.

Contraindications to the use of Codeine

Codeine should not be administered to patients with hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation, suffering from bronchial asthma and respiratory failure, with hypothyroidism and with kidney or liver diseases. The contraindication to the use of Codeine is wet cough, phenylketonuria and fructose intolerance. Codeine should not be used simultaneously with other painkillers and drugs acting on the central nervous system. Codeine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding patients. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Codeine can only be used when absolutely necessary – then the drug has a particularly negative effect on the development of the fetus.

Possible side effects of Codeine

Codeine is a strong pain reliever that can cause a number of side effects. These include digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, constipation, renal impairment and kidney damage, dizziness, excessive sleepiness, and apnea. In people allergic to the active substances contained in Codeine, severe allergic reactions may occur – skin redness, rash, erythema, hives, shortness of breath, bronchospasm, excessive sweating, drop in blood pressure. Sometimes the use of Codeine causes reversible changes in the blood count. If Codeine is used for a long time, withdrawal symptoms may occur upon discontinuation of the drug. There is a risk of becoming addicted to Codeine.

Precautions when taking Codeine

You must not drink alcohol during treatment with Codeine, as codeine increases its effects on the central nervous system. Before use, check that the drug has the current expiration date. It should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, out of the sight and reach of children. Before starting therapy with Codeine, inform your doctor about all diseases and medications you are currently taking. Due to the side effects caused by Codeine, such as drowsiness, impaired concentration and dizziness, you should not drive or operate machinery after taking it.