Codeine Phosphate: instructions for use, analogues and reviews

Codeine belongs to the alkaloids of the opium series. It is widely used in medicine as a remedy for coughing. Refers to the drugs of central action, which is often used in combination with other substances, among which it is possible to isolate terpinhydrate. Very interesting is the fact that with the use of codeine, there may be signs of drug intoxication. There are also analgesic effects. In this regard, phosphate codeine can be used as an anesthetic, but strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

brief information

The principle of codeine is very similar to morphine. However, its analgesic effects appear somewhat weaker. Along with this codeine phosphate (Latin means this substance, as codeinum) has a strong ability to lower the excitement of the cough center. Continuing to draw an analogy with morphine, we say that it inhibits human respiration to a much lesser extent, and also does not slow down the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite this, there are quite often cases when this medicine has an exciting effect on the body, preventing drowsiness.

Codeine phosphate: a description of contraindications

Like other medicines, codeine has an impressive list of contraindications. It is necessary to familiarize with them before using the substance. In order to increase your perception, we will separate them into a separate list. So, the medicine should not be used if there are the following factors:

• High hypersensitivity;
• arrhythmia;
• Propensity to suicide;
• Problems with the intestine, prostate and urethra;
• Period of pregnancy or lactation;
• Elderly or children's age;
• The presence of drug dependence on a substance called codeine phosphate;
• diarrhea;
• Problems with alcoholism;
• Toxic dispensation;
• Presence of bouts of bronchial asthma;
• Trauma of the brain, as well as renal or hepatic insufficiency.

As you can see, the list is very large. In general, before using codeine it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor. He will write out the necessary prescription if the condition of your body allows you to take this medicine.

Codeine phosphate: how to take and in what dosages?

When using codeine for medicinal purposes, it is worth to be especially careful when preparing the correct dosages of the substance, as well as the time of its reception. So, for acute pain, adults are recommended to take 15-60 mg every 3-6 hours. With diarrhea, the dosage is reduced to 30 mg four times a day. Finally, when coughing, it is worth to drink 10-20 mg of medication 4 times a day. The highest daily dose, which has codeine phosphate (the prescription must necessarily be prescribed by a doctor) is 120 mg.

For children, the dosage is slightly different. As a rule, it is worth to get out of the ratio of 0.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight, when it comes to suppressing various pains. When you cough, do not take more than 15 mg. Finally, with diarrhea, the dosage is also 0.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight. As for the frequency of admission, it, like in adults, should be 4-5 times a day. By the way, children under 2 years of taking phosphate codeine is not recommended.

pharmachologic effect

As mentioned earlier, codeine is a central antitussive drug. It belongs to the alkaloids of the phenanthrene series. In addition, it also refers to opiate receptor agonists, which allows to significantly reduce the excitability of the cough center, which is due to its direct suppression. The analgesic activity of the substance can be explained by the activation of opiate receptors, which manifest excitation in many parts of the central nervous system. Plus, he also somewhat changes the emotional perception of pain. Typically, the analgesic effect manifests itself 10-45 minutes after the injection, and also after half an hour-hour with the use of phosphate codeine in tablets. The duration of the action lasts about 4 hours.

Side effects

Of course, codeine phosphate has its side effects, which each person can manifest in different ways. As in the case of contraindications, we will list the effects that often appear after applying this substance:

• The nervous system can be amenable to such an action: increased drowsiness, headaches and dizziness (rare), the possibility of hallucinations or visual illusions, anxiety, nightmares, a depressive state (a rare phenomenon), and convulsions. When excessive doses are consumed, tremors, impaired coordination of motion and stiffness of muscle tissue can occur.
• In the digestive system, the following effects are possible: nausea and vomiting (extremely rare), constipation, spasms in the stomach, dry mouth, the possibility of anorexia and, finally, hepatotoxicity.
• From the cardiovascular system: arrhythmia, a sharp decrease or increase in blood pressure.
• Respiratory system: severe respiratory depression or atelectasis.
• There is also the possibility of the following allergic reactions: acne, edema on the face and larynx, itching, bronchospasm, laryngospasm and urticaria.
• To other side effects from the use of phosphate codeine (in Latin, by the way, codeinum sounds) include excessive sweating, a mild state of euphoria. And likelihood of dependence for long periods of use (especially in large volumes).

Of course, the risk of these side effects is rather small. Yes, and often different from action to action.

Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic overdose include the following phenomena: confusion, severe dizziness, increased nervousness and aggressiveness, convulsions, general weakness of the body and blood pressure jumps. In severe cases, there is a high probability of loss of consciousness or the onset of a coma. Treatment of dependence or overdose can be very long and difficult. In cases of poisoning, it is worth washing the stomach, restoring breathing and supporting cardiac activity. In some cases, the injection of naloxone, which is a specific antagonist of opioid analgesics, is very reasonable.

Special instructions during the treatment period

When there is a process of recovery after an overdose of codeine or treatment for its dependence, patients should refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages. The fact is that during therapy in humans, the concentration of attention is somewhat blunted, as well as the speed of psychomotor reactions. Alcohol can only exacerbate the situation. And this can have a negative impact on a person when performing potentially dangerous activities.

Particular attention deserves a period of pregnancy in women. After all, the use of codeine can cause a delay in ossification, and sometimes immediate delivery - prolongation. In general, jokes with this are bad. Finally, as mentioned above, small children generally are not recommended to take codeine. In this case there is a considerable probability of paradoxical reactions, since children have increased sensitivity to the effects of opioid painkillers.

Legality

In Russia, now there is a bill relating codeine to narcotic substances. Therefore, you can not buy it in a pharmacy without a prescription. Recently, the culture of using codeine has begun to alarm the public, as the popularity of the drug is growing exponentially. In many respects this is the "merit" of American hip-hop, the performers of which often propagandize the use of Purple Drunk, a special beverage containing high doses of codeine. Such a syrup has a pinkish-violet hue, which is why it received such an unusual name. Having drunk the liquid, you will come across a feeling of moderate euphoria, like ecstasy and opiates, which, in fact, codeine also refers to. The songs of American rappers often contain texts that indicate the systematic use of Purple Drunk. By the way, the creator of this movement is Dj Screw. He died at the age of 29 from an overdose of codeine.

It is also worth noting that codeine is contained in other medicines, among which are all kinds of antipyretic, antimigrenous and others. In connection with this, many drugs were banned for sale on the territory of Russia. And for illegal distribution and sale it is possible to receive up to 12 years of the colony.

Finally

Codeine has a wide range of uses, since its effect on the human body is very strong. He can in a relatively short period change the perception or physical state of a person. The most common form of codeine (phosphate) is a powder that dissolves well in water. Due to its properties, it was widely used in medicine. However, as is often the case with opiates, the substance quickly seeped into the streets, where it has a negative effect on people who consume it, which can result in even death.