Codeine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Children [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of codeine were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Serious adverse reactions associated with codeine were respiratory depression and, to a lesser degree,…

Codeine sulfate tablets are contraindicated for: All children younger than 12 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Post-operative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Codeine sulfate tablets are also contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] . Hypersensitivity to codeine (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Children younger than 12 years of age. Postoperative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. ( 4 ) Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days. ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to codeine. ( 4 )

Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with codeine sulfate tablets. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Codeine Sulfate Tablets Inhibitors of CYP3A4 C li n i cal Impact: The concomitant use of codeine sulfate tablets with CYP3A4 inhibitors, may result in an increase in codeine plasma concentrations with subsequently greater metabolism by cytochrome CYP2D6, resulting in greater morphine levels, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of codeine sulfate tablets is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, it may result in lower codeine levels, greater norcodeine levels, and less metabolism via CYP2D6 with resultant lower morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to codeine. Intervention: If concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitor is necessary, consider dosage reduction of codeine sulfate tablets until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the codeine sulfate tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Assess for signs of opioid withdrawal. E xamples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir). CY P 3A4 Inducers C li n i cal Impact: The concomitant use of codeine sulfate tablets and CYP3A4 inducers can result in lower codeine levels, greater norcodeine levels, and less metabolism via 2D6 with resultant lower morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, codeine plasma concentrations may increase with subsequently greater metabolism by cytochrome CYP2D6, resulting in greater morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use of a CYP3A4 inducer is necessary, evaluate patients at frequent intervals for reduced efficacy and signs of opioid withdrawal and consider increasing the codeine sulfate tablets dosage as needed. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider codeine sulfate tablets dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. E xamples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin. Inhibitors of CYP2D6 C li n i cal Impact: Codeine is metabolized by CYP2D6 to form morphine. The concomitant use of codeine sulfate tablets and CYP2D6 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of codeine, but can decrease the plasma concentration of active metabolite morphine, which could result in reduced analgesic efficacy or symptoms of opioid withdrawal, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of codeine sulfate tablets is achieved [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . After stopping a CYP2D6 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the codeine plasma concentration will decrease but the active metabolite morphine plasma concentration will increase, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Intervention: If concomitant use with a CYP2D6 inhibitor is necessary, or if a CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued after concomitant use, consider dosage adjustment of codeine sulfate tablets and evaluate patients at frequent intervals. If concomitant use with CYP2D6 inhibitors is necessary, evaluate patients for reduced efficacy or signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and consider increasing the dosage of codeine sulfate tablets as needed. After stopping use of a CYP2D6 inhibitor, consider reducing the dosage of codeine sulfate tablets and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression or sedation. E xamples: Paroxetine, fluoxetine, bupropion, quinidine. B enzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants C li n i cal Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 )] . E xamples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. S erotonergic Drugs C li n i cal Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue codeine sulfate tablets if serotonin syndrome is suspected. E xamples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) C li n i cal Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ) ] . Intervention: Do not use codeine sulfate tablets in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. E xamples: Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics C li n i cal Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of codeine sulfate tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. E xamples: Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine. Muscle Relaxants C li n i cal Impact: Codeine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Intervention: Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of codeine sulfate tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 )] . Examples: Cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone. D i u retics C li n i cal Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. A n ticholinergic Drugs C li n i cal Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when codeine sulfate tablets are used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. Serotonergic Drugs: Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontinue codeine sulfate if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 7 ) Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics: Avoid use with codeine sulfate tablets because they may reduce analgesic effect of codeine sulfate tablets or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. ( 7 )