Codeine-containing drugs for cough. Release of codeine-containing drugs

In 2012, a decision was made to ban the over-the-counter sales of codeine-containing drugs. Such a resolution caused a lot of disputes about the expediency of this measure. It is worthwhile to understand, what is the value of codeine-containing cough preparations? And are they necessary? The use of codeine in an excellent antitussive effect. However, doctors say that the need for such medications is rare.

a brief description of

This substance is an opium alkaloid. It is obtained by processing morphine. Codeine is used as an overwhelming cough ingredient. In addition, it has a weak analgesic property, differs narcotic effect. The effect on the body of such a substance resembles the result of morphine.

In this case, codeine does not refer to strong painkillers. However, it suppresses cough perfectly. Pharmacologists argue that this substance has a humane effect on the digestive system, in contrast to other narcotic analgesics.

Mechanism of action

Codeine-containing drugs for coughing affect the centers of the brain - the areas responsible for breathing. Thus, these drugs suppress unpleasant symptoms. Codeine is processed in the liver, and metabolites act as analgesics. The effect and its application is explained not by anesthesia, but by a change in the attitude of a person to this syndrome. In this lies the wide popularity of these means.

Help to get rid of such drugs from dry cough to adults. That is why they are prescribed for bronchopneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis.

Codeine-containing medicines are prohibited for the treatment of infants under 2 years of age. In addition, these funds provoke many side effects. Therefore, the independent use of such drugs is absolutely undesirable.

Cough medicine

If a person starts to get sick, he has a fairly extensive list of unpleasant symptoms. One is dry cough. But adults, unlike children, tend to suppress this symptomatology. After all, you can not go to work for the sick. But is it correct to use codeine-containing drugs from dry cough to adults?

What is the evidence of this symptom? About colds, bronchitis, acute respiratory infections. In adults, dry cough usually lasts 1-2 days, and then expectoration begins. The sooner such a process occurs, the faster the airways and bronchi will be cleared. And the patient will completely get rid of the painful symptoms.

That's why using codeine-containing cough supplements should only be in case of acute need. And remember that you can use them only for the doctor's prescription.

On the pharmacological market are the following cough medicines containing codeine:

• "Kodelak".
• "Kodelak phytoelixir".
• Terpinkod.
• Codterpine.
• "Tedein."

The drug "Kodelak"

Tablets have a good antitussive effect and have expectorant properties.

This medicine consists of the following components:

• Codeine;
• Thermopsis;
• Licorice root;
• Sodium bicarbonate.

According to the instructions, with cough of different genesis, the drug "Codelac" can be taken. Tablets have the following contraindications:

• Children under two years;
• Individual sensitivity to components.

It is recommended to take the medicine 2-3 times a day for 1 pill.

The drug "Terpinkod"

This is a fairly good cough drug. The composition of the medicine includes the following ingredients:

• codeine;
• Sodium bicarbonate;
• Terpinhydrate.

The remedy, thanks to its components, is able to suppress cough. In addition, the drug stimulates an increase in the production of bronchial mucus, its dilution. This process contributes to the production of sputum.

The drug is designed to combat an unproductive cough of various origins. It is forbidden to use the drug "Terpinkod" under the following conditions:

• Children under 2 years;
• Pregnancy, lactation;
• Intolerance of the components;
• bronchial asthma;
• Pathology of respiratory function;
• Use of narcotic painkillers.

This drug is prescribed twice or thrice a day for 1 tablet. Duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days.

Anesthetics

It is quite incomprehensible the existence of some combined medicines containing codeine, but having completely different indications. It's about painkillers.

It should be emphasized that codeine is not an effective analgesic. Therefore, it is unclear why in anesthetic preparations to add this substance, making the use of such drugs is completely unsafe.

Sufficiently known analgesics containing codeine are:

• "Nurofen plus."
• "Tetralgin."
• "Santotitralgin."
• "Pentalgin N".
• Piralgin.
• "Pentalgin Plus".
• "Kaffetin."
• "Solpadein."

The preparation "Pentalgin"

Among medicines, this medicine is quite popular.

Pentalgin Plus is based on the following ingredients:

• Propiphenazone;
• Paracetamole;
• Caffeine;
• Codeine;
• Phenobarbital.

This medicine is able to normalize temperature, reduce pain syndrome. The drug effectively tones, calms and relieves spasms. Due to this effect on the body, the agent has the following indications for use:

• Joint pain;
• neuralgia;
• Muscle pain;
• Discomfort after sprains, bruises;
• toothache;
• fever;
• Algomenorrhea;
• headache.

In this case, the medicine also has contraindications. They should not be forgotten, and strictly considered when choosing a drug. The drug is contraindicated when:

• Impaired liver function, kidney function;
• Individual intolerance to the drug;
• Gastric ulcer;
• Impaired blood composition;
• Pathology of respiratory functions;
• Increased pressure (blood, intracranial);
• Alcohol dependence;
• Insomnia;
• Hyperactivity;
• Pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

It is inadmissible to take medication by children under 12 years of age.

Take the drug 1 tablet up to 3 times a day. However, you should know that the maximum dose is 4 pills in 24 hours. You can eat tablets for no more than 5 days.

Codeine is a drug

Unfortunately, this substance is quite unsafe for the body. Since codeine is considered a weak, but still a narcotic drug.

Among the negative effects on the body should be noted such:

1. With prolonged use, the effectiveness of the drug weakens. To obtain the desired result, the patient increases the dose.
2. The use of large amounts of codeine causes a sense of euphoria.
3. The substance is very fast and persistent addiction, even faster than heroin.
4. Removing the medication after prolonged use provokes a real break in the patient.
5. Overdosing causes a heaviness in the head, nausea, hyperactivity. In this case, the patient feels overexcited, can not concentrate and control the movements of the body, there is an unreasonable laughter.

The sold codeine-containing cough preparations without a prescription began to be purchased by drug addicts. Those who "sat down" on such a substance, after a short time can no longer be cured. Prolonged use of codeine as a drug leads to pernicious irreversible processes in the tissues. Often this results in amputation of the limbs.

It is almost impossible to get rid of codeine dependence independently. Breaking is quite hard. At this time there are:

• Constant tears;
• Diarrhea followed by constipation;
• A persistent runny nose;
• Breaking of bones;
• Rapid aging;
• Loss of teeth, hair;
• Indifference to the environment;
• depression.

To get rid of such dependence it is possible only with the help of doctors. However, treatment only helps in 8% of all cases.

Expediency of prescription leave

So, today the release of codeine-containing drugs is under control. At the heart of the decision to sell such drugs on prescription is the care of the population. This applies not only to addicted people.

Codeine is an opium substance that is included in small doses in the formulation of most analgesics and antitussive drugs. But the uncontrolled use of such drugs is extremely damaging to the human body. As a result of excessive use of codeine, an unpleasant dependence can arise, which, as mentioned above, is extremely difficult to cope with.

The prescription of these medicines allows the doctor to monitor the use of this drug and make timely adjustments to the therapy.

In addition, it should be realized that a quick relief from pain, and not from a cause that provoked discomfort, is just an illusion of treatment. The pathology source is not eliminated when using these drugs.

For the above reasons, treatment with such unsafe drugs must be authorized by the doctor.