Codeine/paracetamol: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Combination medication used for pain relief}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
== | ==Codeine/paracetamol== | ||
[[File:Codeine_and_paracetamol.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of codeine and paracetamol]] | |||
'''Codeine/paracetamol''', also known as '''co-codamol''', is a combination medication used to treat [[pain]]. It contains two active ingredients: [[codeine]], an [[opioid]], and [[paracetamol]] (also known as acetaminophen), a non-opioid [[analgesic]] and [[antipyretic]]. | |||
==Pharmacology== | ==Pharmacology== | ||
Codeine is a prodrug | Codeine is a [[prodrug]] that is metabolized in the liver to produce [[morphine]], which is responsible for its analgesic effects. Paracetamol works by inhibiting the synthesis of [[prostaglandins]] in the [[central nervous system]] and works peripherally to block pain impulse generation. The combination of these two drugs provides enhanced pain relief compared to either drug alone. | ||
== | ==Indications== | ||
Codeine/paracetamol is | Codeine/paracetamol is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It is often prescribed when pain is not adequately controlled by paracetamol or other non-opioid analgesics alone. | ||
==Dosage and Administration== | |||
The dosage of codeine/paracetamol varies depending on the severity of the pain and the patient's response to the medication. It is typically taken orally, with the dose adjusted to achieve the desired level of pain relief while minimizing side effects. | |||
==Side Effects== | ==Side Effects== | ||
Common side effects of codeine/paracetamol include | Common side effects of codeine/paracetamol include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[constipation]], [[drowsiness]], and [[dizziness]]. Serious side effects can include [[respiratory depression]], especially at higher doses or in combination with other central nervous system depressants. | ||
== | ==Precautions== | ||
Patients should be monitored for signs of [[opioid addiction]], [[abuse]], and [[misuse]]. Codeine/paracetamol should be used with caution in patients with [[liver disease]], as paracetamol is metabolized by the liver and can cause [[hepatotoxicity]] in high doses. | |||
== | ==Interactions== | ||
* [[ | Codeine/paracetamol can interact with other medications, including other [[opioids]], [[benzodiazepines]], and [[alcohol]], increasing the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. It may also interact with [[anticoagulants]] and other medications that affect liver enzymes. | ||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Opioid analgesic]] | |||
* [[Paracetamol]] | * [[Paracetamol]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Pain management]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Drug interactions]] | ||
[[Category:Analgesics]] | |||
[[Category:Combination drugs]] | |||
[[Category:Opioids]] | |||
Latest revision as of 06:12, 16 February 2025
Combination medication used for pain relief
Codeine/paracetamol[edit]
Codeine/paracetamol, also known as co-codamol, is a combination medication used to treat pain. It contains two active ingredients: codeine, an opioid, and paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen), a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic.
Pharmacology[edit]
Codeine is a prodrug that is metabolized in the liver to produce morphine, which is responsible for its analgesic effects. Paracetamol works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and works peripherally to block pain impulse generation. The combination of these two drugs provides enhanced pain relief compared to either drug alone.
Indications[edit]
Codeine/paracetamol is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It is often prescribed when pain is not adequately controlled by paracetamol or other non-opioid analgesics alone.
Dosage and Administration[edit]
The dosage of codeine/paracetamol varies depending on the severity of the pain and the patient's response to the medication. It is typically taken orally, with the dose adjusted to achieve the desired level of pain relief while minimizing side effects.
Side Effects[edit]
Common side effects of codeine/paracetamol include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness. Serious side effects can include respiratory depression, especially at higher doses or in combination with other central nervous system depressants.
Precautions[edit]
Patients should be monitored for signs of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse. Codeine/paracetamol should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, as paracetamol is metabolized by the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses.
Interactions[edit]
Codeine/paracetamol can interact with other medications, including other opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. It may also interact with anticoagulants and other medications that affect liver enzymes.
