In 2012, it was decided to ban the over-the-counter sale of codeine-containing drugs. This decision caused a lot of debate about the appropriateness of this measure. It is worth understanding what codeine-containing cough medicines are valuable for. And are they necessary? Codeine benefits in excellent antitussive effects. However, doctors argue that the need for such medications is rare.
a brief description of
This substance is an opium alkaloid. It is obtained by processing morphine. Codeine is used as a cough suppressant ingredient. In addition, it has a weak analgesic property, has a narcotic effect. The effect on the body of such a substance resembles the result of morphine.
In this case, codeine does not belong to strong painkillers. However, it perfectly suppresses cough. Pharmacologists argue that this substance humanely affects the digestive organs, unlike other narcotic analgesics.
Mechanism of action
Codeine-containing cough medications affect the centers of the brain - the areas responsible for breathing. Thus, these drugs suppress unpleasant symptoms. Codeine is processed in the liver, and metabolites act as analgesic substances. The effect and its use is explained not by anesthesia, but by a change in the person’s attitude to this syndrome. This conceals the wide popularity of these funds.
Such drugs help get rid of dry cough for adults. That is why they are prescribed for bronchopneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis.
Codeine-containing medicines are prohibited for treating infants under 2 years old. In addition, these agents provoke many side effects. Therefore, the independent use of such drugs is completely undesirable.
Cough medicine
If a person begins to get sick, he has a fairly extensive list of unpleasant symptoms. One of them is a dry cough. But adults, unlike children, tend to suppress such symptoms. After all, patients cannot go to work. But is it correct to use codeine-containing drugs for dry cough for adults?
What does the onset of this symptom indicate? About colds, bronchitis, SARS. In adults, a dry cough, as a rule, lasts 1-2 days, and then expectoration of sputum begins. The sooner such a process occurs, the faster the airways and bronchi become clear. And the patient will completely get rid of painful symptoms.
That is why the use of codeine-containing cough medicines should only be in case of urgent need. And remember that you can use them only as directed by the doctor.
The following cough medicines containing codeine are available on the pharmacological market:
- Kodelak.
- "Codelac phytoelixir."
- "Terpincode."
- Codterpin.
- "Tedein."
The drug "Codelac"
The tablets have a good antitussive effect and have expectorant properties.
This medicine consists of the following components:
- codeine;
- Thermopsis
- licorice root;
- sodium bicarbonate.
According to the instructions, when coughing of various origins, the drug "Codelac" can be taken. Tablets have the following contraindications:
- children under two years old;
- individual sensitivity to components.
It is recommended to take the medicine 2-3 times a day for 1 pill.
The drug "Terpincode"
This is a pretty good cough medicine. The composition of the medicine includes the following ingredients:
- codeine;
- sodium bicarbonate;
- terpinghydrate.
The tool, thanks to its components, is able to suppress cough. In addition, the drug stimulates an increase in the production of bronchial mucus, diluting it. This process contributes to the removal of sputum.
The medication is intended to combat unproductive cough of various origins. It is forbidden to use the medicine "Terpincode" in the following conditions:
- children under 2 years old;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- intolerance to the constituents;
- bronchial asthma;
- pathology of respiratory function;
- the use of narcotic painkillers.
This drug is prescribed twice or thrice a day for 1 tablet. The duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days.
Painkillers
It is not quite clear the existence of some combination drugs containing codeine, but with completely different indications. We are talking about painkillers.
It should be emphasized that codeine is not an effective analgesic. Therefore, it is not clear why this substance should be added to painkillers , making the use of such drugs completely unsafe.
Enough known analgesics containing codeine are:
- Nurofen Plus.
- Tetralgin.
- "Santotitralgin."
- "Pentalgin N".
- "Piralgin."
- Pentalgin Plus.
- Caffetine.
- "Solpadein."
The drug "Pentalgin"
Among medicines, this medicine is quite popular.
Pentalgin Plus is based on the following ingredients:
- propiphenazone;
- paracetamol;
- caffeine;
- codeine;
- phenobarbital.
This medicine is able to normalize the temperature, reduce pain. The drug effectively tones, soothes and relieves spasms. Due to this effect on the body, the product has the following indications for use:
- joint pain
- neuralgia;
- muscle pain
- discomfort after sprains, bruises;
- toothache;
- fever;
- algomenorrhea;
- headache.
In this case, the medicine also has contraindications. They should not be forgotten, and strictly taken into account when choosing a drug. The drug is contraindicated in:
- impaired functioning of the liver, kidneys;
- individual intolerance to the drug;
- gastrointestinal ulcer;
- disturbed blood composition;
- pathology of respiratory functions;
- increased pressure (blood, intracranial);
- alcohol addiction;
- insomnia;
- hyperactivity;
- pregnancy, breastfeeding.
The use of the drug by children under 12 years of age is unacceptable.
Take the drug 1 tablet up to 3 times a day. However, you should be aware that the maximum dose is 4 pills within 24 hours. You can use the tablets for no more than 5 days.
Codeine is a drug
Unfortunately, this substance is not safe enough for the body. Since codeine is considered, albeit a weak, but still a narcotic drug.
Among the negative effects on the body, the following should be noted:
- With prolonged use, the effectiveness of the drug weakens. To obtain the desired result, the patient increases the dose.
- The use of large amounts of codeine causes a feeling of euphoria.
- A very fast and persistent addiction comes to the substance, even faster than to heroin.
- Cancellation of the drug after prolonged use provokes a real withdrawal in the patient.
- An overdose causes heaviness in the head, nausea, and hyperactivity. In this case, the patient feels overexcited, unable to concentrate and control body movements, causeless laughter appears.
Over-the-counter codeine-containing cough medicines sold by drug addicts. Those who “sat down” on such a substance, after a short time, can no longer be cured. Prolonged use of codeine as a drug leads to fatal irreversible processes in the tissues. Often this ends with amputation of the limbs.
It is almost impossible to get rid of codeine addiction by yourself. Breaking is quite difficult. At this time are observed:
- constant tears;
- diarrhea, followed by constipation;
- persistent runny nose;
- breaking bones;
- rapid aging;
- loss of teeth, hair;
- indifference to the environment;
- depression.
You can get rid of this dependence only with the help of doctors. However, treatment only helps in 8% of all cases.
The feasibility of prescription
So, today the release of codeine-containing drugs is under control. The decision to sell such prescription drugs is based on community care. This applies not only to drug addicts.
Codeine is an opium substance that is included in small doses in the formulation of most analgesics and antitussive drugs. But the uncontrolled use of such drugs is extremely detrimental to the human body. As a result of excessive use of codeine, an unpleasant addiction can occur, which, as mentioned above, is extremely difficult to cope with.
Prescription of these drugs allows the doctor to control the use of this drug and make timely amendments to therapy.
In addition, it should be recognized that the quick relief from pain, and not from the cause of the discomfort, is just an illusion of treatment. The source of pathology when using these funds is not eliminated.
For the above reasons, treatment with such unsafe drugs should be authorized by a doctor.