Codylex Plus

Side Effects of Codylex Plus

Dependence, withdrawal symptoms; nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, confusion, difficulty in micturition, ureteric or biliary spasms, urinary retention, dry mouth, dizziness, sweating, facial flushing, headache, vertigo, bradycardia, tachycardia, palpitations, oedema, postural hypotension, hypothermia, vertigo, restlessness, mood changes, decreased libido or potency, hallucination, miosis, raised intracranial pressure, muscle rigidity, visual disturbances. Potentially Fatal: Respiratory depression and hypotension, w/ circulatory failure and deepening coma (larger doses). Convulsions (especially in childn and infants). Rhabdomyolysis.

Drug Interactions

Enhanced depressant effects w/ anaesthetics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, TCAs, antipsychotics. May alter effects of other compounds e.g. mexiletine, metoclopramide and domperidone. Potentially Fatal: Additive effects w/ MAOI, avoid combination.

Contraindications

Respiratory depression; obstructive airway disease; acute and severe asthma attack; presence or suspicion of paralytic ileus, acute ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis; comatose patients; acute alcoholism. Patients w/ head injury, raised intracranial pressure. Use in childn after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Coadministration w/ MAO inhibitors or w/in 2 wk of its discontinuation. Childn <1 yr.

Mechanism of Action

Codeine is a phenantrene-derivative opiate agonist which alters the perception of and response to pain by binding to opiate receptors in the CNS, blocking the ascending pain pathways. It also helps suppress cough by direct action in the medulla. Onset: Oral: 0.5-1 hr. Duration: 4-6 hr. Absorption: Adequate absorption in GI tract. Time to peak plasma concentration: 1-1.5 hr. Distribution: Crosses placenta and enters breast milk. Plasma protein binding: Approx 7-25%. Volume of distribution: Approx 3-6 L/kg. Metabolism: Hepatic by O- and N-demethylation to morphine (active), norcodeine and other metabolites including normorphine and hydrocodone. Excretion: Via urine, mainly as conjugates w/ glucuronic acid. Plasma half-life: About 3-4 hr.

Special Precautions

Hypothyroidism, adrenocortical insufficiency; prostatic hyperplasia, hypotension, shock, inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders, myasthenia gravis. Patient who are ultra-rapid metabolisers of codeine. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Elderly or debilitated patients. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Monitoring Parameters Monitor BP, heart rate, respiratory and mental status.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

Content Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before use.