Codeine / Phenylephrine Dosage
Applies to the following strengths: 10 mg-10 mg/5 mL; 10 mg-7.5 mg/5 mL
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion
5 mL orally every 4 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Codeine 60 mg/phenylephrine 60 mg (30 mL) in 24 hours
Comments:
- Each 5 mL contains codeine 10 mg/phenylephrine 10 mg
- Oral liquid should be measured with an accurate milliliter measuring device.
Uses: Temporary relief of coughs due to the common cold, allergic rhinitis or other upper respiratory allergies; reduces swelling of nasal passages to relieve nasal congestion.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Use with caution
Liver Dose Adjustments
Use with caution
Precautions
The US FDA recommends against use of codeine-containing cough and cold medications in patients less than 18 years because it has been determined that the risks outweigh benefits.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
US Controlled Substance: Schedule V
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Take orally with or without food
- Oral measuring devices should be provided to ensure accuracy in dosing; a household teaspoon should not be considered an accurate measuring device
Storage requirements:
- Protect from moisture and light
General:
- Patients who are ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine due to a CYP450 2D6 polymorphism, will convert codeine more rapidly and completely to morphine resulting in unexpectedly high morphine levels, which may be life-threatening.
- Codeine use is contraindicated in the postoperative period in children who have undergone tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
Monitoring:
- Cardiovascular: Monitor for signs of hypotension, especially in those whose blood pressure is compromised
- Respiratory: Monitor for respiratory depression
- Gastrointestinal: Monitor for constipation and decreased bowel motility in post-operative patients.
- Patients should be monitored for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse.
Patient advice:
- Patients should understand that codeine use can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse; recommended doses should not be exceeded.
- Patients should be understand that this product is for temporary relief of cough; if cough persists for longer than 1 week, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache, a health care professional should be consulted.
- Patients should understand risks of life-threatening respiratory depression and when this risk is greatest; patients should be aware that a genetic mutation may result in greater codeine toxicity in some patients; breastfed infants of women who have this genetic mutation are also at risk.
- Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant should speak to their healthcare provider before using this product.
- This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impair thinking or motor skills; patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until adverse effects are determined.
- Concomitant use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness; patients should avoid alcohol and consult with their healthcare provider regarding concomitant use of other CNS depressants.
- Patients should be instructed to discontinue use if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.
More about codeine / phenylephrine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: upper respiratory combinations
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.