Codeine / Phenylephrine Dosage

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.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer