Codeine

Category:

• Analgesic

Description:

• Opiate agonist analgesic

Indications:

• Mild to moderate pain (dental procedures, orthopedic injury)

• Cough suppressant

Contraindications:

• Patients with impaired respiratory function.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy Category C

• Patients will experience CNS effects of drowsiness and dizziness, therefore use caution with motor vehicle operation or other hazardous tasks.

• Avoid prolonged, sustained usage to decrease addiction potential.

• Use with caution with other CNS depressive medications.  

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Minimal at normal oral dosages

• Sedation

• Dizziness

Dosage:

• Administered in smallest effective dose and as infrequently as possible

• Adult (oral, SQ or IM): 30mg (15-60mg range) q4h as needed

• Children: 0.5 mg/kg or 15 mg/m² q4-6h