Pholcodine: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Overview of Pholcodine use in medicine}}
{{Short description|An opioid cough suppressant}}
{{Drugbox
{{Drugbox
| Verifiedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 477241123
| verifiedrevid = 477002679
| IUPAC_name = Morpholin-4-ylmorphinan-6-ol
| image = Pholcodine2DCSD.svg
| image = Pholcodine2DCSD.svg
| image_size = 200px
| image2 = Pholcodine3DanJ.gif
| image_alt = Structural formula of Pholcodine
}}
}}


'''Pholcodine''' is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that is used to treat dry coughs. It is a [[morphine]] derivative, but unlike morphine, it has little to no analgesic or euphoric effects. Pholcodine is primarily used in the treatment of non-productive coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections.
'''Pholcodine''' is an [[opioid]] [[cough suppressant]] (antitussive) used to treat [[non-productive cough]]. It is a [[morphinan]] derivative with mild [[sedative]] effects and is less potent than [[codeine]].


==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
Pholcodine works by acting on the [[central nervous system]] to suppress the cough reflex. It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized in the liver. The drug has a long half-life, which allows for less frequent dosing compared to other cough suppressants.
Pholcodine acts primarily on the [[central nervous system]] (CNS) to suppress the cough reflex. It is believed to exert its effects by binding to [[opioid receptors]] in the brain, which leads to a reduction in the cough reflex. Unlike other opioids, pholcodine has minimal [[analgesic]] properties and is less likely to cause [[respiratory depression]].


==Uses==
==Medical uses==
Pholcodine is indicated for the symptomatic relief of unproductive coughs. It is often found in combination with other ingredients in cough syrups and lozenges. Due to its opioid nature, it is important to use pholcodine as directed to avoid potential side effects.
Pholcodine is used in the management of dry coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections. It is available in various formulations, including [[syrups]], [[lozenges]], and [[tablets]].


==Side Effects==
==Side effects==
Common side effects of pholcodine include drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Rarely, it can cause allergic reactions or respiratory depression, especially if taken in large doses or in combination with other central nervous system depressants.
Common side effects of pholcodine include [[drowsiness]], [[dizziness]], and [[nausea]]. It may also cause [[constipation]] and [[dry mouth]]. Due to its sedative effects, caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.


==Regulation and Availability==
==Contraindications==
Pholcodine is available over-the-counter in some countries, while in others it may require a prescription. Its use is regulated due to its potential for abuse and the risk of side effects.
Pholcodine should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or in those with [[asthma]] or [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD) due to the risk of respiratory complications.


==Controversies and Concerns==
==Interactions==
There have been concerns about the use of pholcodine in patients with a history of [[asthma]] or other respiratory conditions, as it may exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, there is ongoing research into the potential for pholcodine to cause sensitization to neuromuscular blocking agents used in anesthesia, which could lead to anaphylactic reactions.
Pholcodine may interact with other CNS depressants, such as [[alcohol]], [[benzodiazepines]], and other opioids, leading to enhanced sedative effects. It is important to avoid concurrent use with these substances.


==Also see==
==Regulation==
* [[Cough medicine]]
Pholcodine is regulated differently in various countries. In some regions, it is available over-the-counter, while in others, it requires a prescription. Its use is restricted in certain countries due to concerns about potential [[allergic reactions]] and [[anaphylaxis]] in patients who have been exposed to [[neuromuscular blocking agents]].
 
==Chemistry==
Pholcodine is a [[morphinan]] derivative with the chemical formula C23H30N2O4. It is structurally related to [[morphine]] but has a morpholine ring instead of a [[phenolic]] hydroxyl group, which contributes to its distinct pharmacological profile.
 
==History==
Pholcodine was first synthesized in the early 20th century and has been used as a cough suppressant for many decades. Its development was part of efforts to find effective antitussives with fewer side effects than [[morphine]] and [[codeine]].
 
==Related pages==
* [[Codeine]]
* [[Morphine]]
* [[Opioid]]
* [[Opioid]]
* [[Antitussive]]
* [[Cough suppressant]]
* [[Respiratory system]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Opioids]]
[[Category:Opioids]]
[[Category:Antitussives]]
[[Category:Antitussives]]
[[Category:Respiratory system drugs]]
[[Category:Morphinans]]
<gallery>
File:Pholcodine2DCSD.svg|Pholcodine 2D Structure
File:Pholcodine3DanJ.gif|Pholcodine 3D Animation
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Pholcodine2DCSD.svg|Pholcodine 2D Structure
File:Pholcodine3DanJ.gif|Pholcodine 3D Animation
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 10:48, 23 March 2025

An opioid cough suppressant


Pholcodine
INN
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Routes of administration
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Bioavailability
Metabolism
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PubChem
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Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) used to treat non-productive cough. It is a morphinan derivative with mild sedative effects and is less potent than codeine.

Pharmacology[edit]

Pholcodine acts primarily on the central nervous system (CNS) to suppress the cough reflex. It is believed to exert its effects by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which leads to a reduction in the cough reflex. Unlike other opioids, pholcodine has minimal analgesic properties and is less likely to cause respiratory depression.

Medical uses[edit]

Pholcodine is used in the management of dry coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections. It is available in various formulations, including syrups, lozenges, and tablets.

Side effects[edit]

Common side effects of pholcodine include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. It may also cause constipation and dry mouth. Due to its sedative effects, caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

Contraindications[edit]

Pholcodine should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to the risk of respiratory complications.

Interactions[edit]

Pholcodine may interact with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids, leading to enhanced sedative effects. It is important to avoid concurrent use with these substances.

Regulation[edit]

Pholcodine is regulated differently in various countries. In some regions, it is available over-the-counter, while in others, it requires a prescription. Its use is restricted in certain countries due to concerns about potential allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in patients who have been exposed to neuromuscular blocking agents.

Chemistry[edit]

Pholcodine is a morphinan derivative with the chemical formula C23H30N2O4. It is structurally related to morphine but has a morpholine ring instead of a phenolic hydroxyl group, which contributes to its distinct pharmacological profile.

History[edit]

Pholcodine was first synthesized in the early 20th century and has been used as a cough suppressant for many decades. Its development was part of efforts to find effective antitussives with fewer side effects than morphine and codeine.

Related pages[edit]