Codeine / Pseudoephedrine Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion

Usual dose: 10 mL orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: Codeine 64 mg/pseudoephedrine 240 mg (40 mL) per 24 hours

Comments:

• Each 5 mL contains codeine 8 mg/pseudoephedrine 30 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

Dose adjustments not recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

Dose adjustments not recommended

Precautions

The US FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for all opioids intended for outpatient use. The new FDA Opioid Analgesic REMS is a designed to assist in communicating the serious risks of opioid pain medications to patients and health care professionals. It includes a medication guide and elements to assure safe use. For additional information: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/index.cfm

• Opioid Analgesic REMS: To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, a REMS is required for these products. Under the requirements of the REMS, drug companies with approved opioid analgesic products must make REMS-compliant education programs available to healthcare providers. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program; counsel patients and/or their caregivers, with every prescription on safe use, serious risks, storage, and disposal of these products; emphasize to patients and their caregivers the importance of reading the Medication Guide every time it is provided by their pharmacist, and consider other tools to improve patient, household, and community safety.

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 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.
• Pseudoephedrine may cause sleeplessness, especially if it is taken up to several hours before going to bed.
• Patients should be instructed to read the US FDA-approved Medication Guide each time this drug is dispensed; they should understand the safe use, serious risks, and proper storage and disposal of this drug.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer