CODEINE

Standard Prescription

codeine__mg PO Q__H (__mg/kg/dose) (prn pain)

Dosages

Analgesia:
0.5 to 1 mg/kg/dose PO Q4-6H PRN
(Maximum: 60 mg/dose).

Mechanism of Action

Opioid analgesic

Forms Supplied

tablet: 15 mg, 30 mg
oral liquid: 5 mg/mL

acetaminophen with codeine elixir: acetaminophen 32 mg/mL and codeine 1.6 mg/mL

Comments

Analgesic effect depends upon rate of metabolism of codeine to morphine

and codeine-6-glucuronide, which varies widely in the general

population. Poor metabolizers are at risk of therapeutic failure.

Ultrarapid metabolizers are at risk of opioid overdose.

Health Canada

recommends against the use of codeine in children less than 12 years of

age and in children of any age in the postoperative period after

tonsillectomy and/or adeonoidectomy.
Consider oral morphine as an

alternative.

Do not use as an antitussive.

If maximum doses are used, risk of toxicity, particularly constipation, is increased.

References

44, 132,  394, , 396, 397, 579

Last Edited

2022-06-16 17:29:24