Codeine is a potent analgesic, from the opioid group, which can be used to relieve moderate pain, in addition to having an antitussive effect, as it blocks the cough reflex at the brain level.
It can be sold under the names Codein, Belacodid, Codaten and Codex, and in addition to being used separately, it can also be consumed in conjunction with other simple pain relievers, such as Dipyrone or Paracetamol, for example, to enhance its effect.
This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies, in the form of tablets, syrup or injectable ampoule, for a price of about 25 to 35 reais, upon presentation of a prescription.
What is it for
Codeine is an opioid class analgesic remedy, which is indicated for:
- Treatment of pain of moderate intensity or that does not improve with other simpler analgesics. In addition, to enhance its effect, Codeine is usually marketed together with dipyrone or paracetamol, for example. Treatment of dry cough in some cases, as it has the effect of reducing the cough reflex.
See other remedies that can be used to treat dry cough.
How to use
For analgesic effect in adults, Codeine should be used at the dose of 30 mg or the dose indicated by the doctor, every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding the maximum dose of 360 mg per day.
For children, the recommended dose is 0.5 to 1 mg / kg of body weight every 4 to 6 hours.
For cough relief, a lower dose is used, which can be between 10 to 20 mg, every 4 or 6 hours, for adults and children over 6 years.
Side effects
Some side effects of using Codeine include drowsiness, constipation, abdominal pain, sweating and confused senses.
Who should not use
The use of Codeine is contraindicated in people allergic to any component of the formula, in pregnancy, in children under 3 years old, people with acute respiratory depression, diarrhea caused by poisoning and associated with pseudomembranous colitis or in case of cough with expectoration.
