Codeine :: essays research papers

Codeine: Codeine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is rapidly distributed from the intravascular spaces to the various body tissues, with preferential uptake by parenchymatous organs such as the liver, spleen and kidney. Codeine crosses the blood-brain barrier, and is found in fetal tissue and breast milk. The plasma concentration does not correlate with brain concentration or relief of pain; however, codeine is not bound to plasma proteins and does not accumulate in body tissues. Treatment: A single or multiple overdose with acetaminophen and codeine is a potentially lethal polydrug overdose, and consultation with a regional poison control center is recommended. Signs and Symptoms: Codeine: Toxicity from codeine poisoning includes the opioid triad of: pinpoint pupils, depression of respiration, and loss of consciousness. Convulsions may occur. WHY is this drug prescribed? Codeine is used, usually in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing that does not produce sputum or mucus. It is also used for relief of mild to moderate pain. When used for pain, codeine is usually used with aspirin and sometimes caffeine. WHEN should it be used? Codeine is usually taken every four to six hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. HOW should it be used? Codeine is available, alone or with other medications, in tablets, capsules, and liquid to be taken by mouth. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. The liquid should be shaken well before each use to mix the medicine evenly. Ask your pharmacist for a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose. Do not take more of this drug than prescribed by your doctor. Serious side effects can occur, especially in children who take too much. Adults giving this medication to a child should be careful to give the correct dose and not to give it more often than prescribed by the doctor. For a cough, patients older than 12 years should not take more than 120 mg of codeine a day. Children six to 12 years old should not take more than 60 mg a day. A doctor should decide how much codeine can be taken by a child two to five years old. This drug should not be given to children younger than two years. Abuse and Dependence: Codeine can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and, therefore, has the potential for being abused. Psychological dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration and it should be prescribed and administered with the same degree of caution appropriate to the use of other oral narcotic medications.