Codeine belongs to the opium alkaloids. It is widely used in medicine as a cough suppressant. Refers to centrally acting drugs, which is often used in combination with other substances, among which terpin hydrate can be distinguished. A very interesting fact is that with the use of codeine, signs of drug intoxication may appear . There are also painkillers. In this regard, codeine phosphate can be used as an anesthetic, but strictly according to a doctor’s prescription.
brief information
The principle of codeine is extremely similar to morphine. However, its analgesic effects are somewhat weaker. At the same time, codeine phosphate (Latin denotes this substance as codeinum) has a pronounced ability to reduce the excitation of the cough center. Continuing to draw an analogy with morphine, let us say that it depresses human respiration to a much lesser extent and also does not slow down the activity of the gastrointestinal tract so much. Despite this, quite often there are cases when this medicine had an exciting effect on the body, preventing drowsiness.
Codeine Phosphate: Description of Contraindications
Like other medicines, codeine has an impressive list of contraindications. You should definitely familiarize yourself with them before using the substance. In order to increase your perception, we will select them in a separate list. So, the medicine should not be used in the presence of the following factors:
- high hypersensitivity;
- arrhythmia;
- suicidal tendency;
- problems with the intestines, prostate gland 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 dispersion;
- the presence of asthma attacks;
- brain injury, as well as renal or hepatic insufficiency.
As you can see, the list is very long. In general, before using codeine, it is mandatory to consult a doctor. He will write out the necessary prescription if the state 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 worthwhile to be especially careful when drawing up the correct dosages of the substance, as well as the time of its intake. So, with 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, with coughing fits, you should drink 10-20 mg of the drug 4 times a day. The highest daily dose available to codeine phosphate (a doctor must prescribe a prescription) is 120 mg.
For children, the dosages vary slightly. As a rule, it is worth going out of the ratio of 0.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight when it comes to suppressing various pains. When coughing, 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, then, as in adults, it should be 4-5 times a day. By the way, children under 2 years of age are not recommended to take codeine phosphate.
pharmachologic effect
As mentioned earlier, codeine is a central action antitussive. It belongs to the alkaloids of the phenanthrene series. In addition, it also belongs to opiate receptor agonists, which can significantly reduce the excitability of the cough center, which is associated with its direct suppression. The analgesic activity of the substance can be explained by the activation of opiate receptors, which exhibit excitement in many parts of the central nervous system. Plus, it also slightly alters the emotional perception of pain. As a rule, the analgesic effect manifests itself 10-45 minutes after the injection, as well as after half an hour or an hour when using codeine phosphate tablets. The duration of action lasts about 4 hours.
Side effects
Of course, codeine phosphate has its own side effects, which in each person can manifest themselves in different ways. As in the case of contraindications, we give a list of effects that often appear after the use of this substance:
- The nervous system can succumb to such an action: increased drowsiness, headaches and dizziness (rare), the possibility of hallucinations or visual illusions, anxiety, nightmares in dreams, depression (rare occurrence), and seizures. When consuming excessive doses, tremors, impaired motor coordination, and muscle stiffness can occur.
- The following effects are possible in the digestive system: nausea and vomiting (extremely rare), constipation, stomach cramps, 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 inhibition of the respiratory center or atelectasis.
- There is also the likelihood of the following allergic reactions: acne, swelling on the face and larynx, skin itching, bronchospasm, laryngospasm and urticaria.
- Other side effects from the use of codeine phosphate (in Latin, by the way, codeinum sounds) include excessive sweating, a mild state of euphoria. As well as the likelihood of addiction with long periods of use (especially in large volumes).
Of course, the risk of the above side effects is quite small. Yes, and often varies from action to action.
Overdose symptoms
Symptoms of chronic overdose include the following: clouding of consciousness, severe dizziness, increased nervousness and aggressiveness, cramps, general weakness of the body, and jumps in blood pressure. In severe cases, there is a high probability of loss of consciousness or the onset of a coma. Treatment of addiction or overdose can be very long and difficult. In cases of poisoning, it is worth rinsing the stomach, restoring breathing, and supporting cardiac activity. In some cases, the introduction of naloxone injection, which is a specific antagonist of opioid painkillers, will be very justified.
Special instructions during the treatment period
When there is a recovery process after an overdose of codeine or treatment for its dependence, patients should refrain from drinking alcohol. The fact is that during therapy, a person dulls a little concentration of attention, as well as the speed of psychomotor reactions. Alcohol can only exacerbate the situation. And this can adversely affect a person when performing potentially dangerous activities.
Of particular note is the period of pregnancy in women. After all, the use of codeine can cause a delay in ossification, and sometimes immediate birth - prolongation. In general, jokes with this are bad. Finally, as mentioned above, young children are generally not recommended to take codeine. In this case, there is a considerable chance of paradoxical reactions, as the children have an increased sensitivity to the effects of opioid painkillers.
Legality
In Russia today there is a bill relating codeine to narcotic substances. Therefore, it will not be possible to purchase it at a pharmacy without a prescription. Recently, the culture of using codeine has begun to alarm the public, as the drug’s popularity is growing exponentially. In many ways, this is the “merit” of American hip-hop, whose performers quite often advocate the use of Purple Drunk - a special drink containing high doses of codeine. Such a syrup has a pinkish-purple hue, which is why it got such an unusual name. After drinking the liquid, you will encounter a feeling of moderate euphoria, like ecstasy and opiates, which, in fact, applies to codeine. Songs by American rappers often contain lyrics that indicate their 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 medications, including all kinds of antipyretic, anti-migraine and others. In this regard, many drugs were banned for sale in Russia. And for illegal distribution and marketing, you can get up to 12 years in prison.
Finally
Codeine has a wide scope, since its effect on the human body is very strong. It can in a fairly short period change the perception or physical condition 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 leaked into the streets, where it has a negative effect on the people who consume it, the consequence of which can even be fatal.