Codeine Sulfate

Warning

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse; Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression; Accidental Ingestion; Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants; Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Contraindications

• All children younger than 12 years of age
• Post-operative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
• Significant respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction
• Hypersensitivity to codeine

Adverse Reactions

• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Constipation

General Guidance

Titrate dose based on individual patient response, with a maximum 24-hour dose of 360 mg

Pregnancy

• Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
• Codeine Sulfate is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor

Nursing Mothers

• Caution advised due to potential for codeine to be excreted in breast milk

Pediatric Use

• Contraindicated in children under 12 years old
• Contraindicated for post-operative management in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy

Geriatric Use

• Elderly patients may have increased sensitivity to codeine
• Use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient