Codeine :: essays research papers

Codeine Codeine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is rapidly distributed from the intravascular spaces to the various body tissues, with preferential economic consumption by parenchymatous organs such as the liver, spleen and kidney. Codeine crosses the blood- fountainhead barrier, and is found in fetal tissue and breast milk. The plasma concentration does not correlate with brain concentration or relief of pain however, codeine is not bound to plasma proteins and does not accumulate in body tissues. Treatment A single or multiple overdose with acetaminophen and codeine is a potentially lethal polydrug overdose, and consultation with a regional poison control center is recommended. Signs and SymptomsCodeine Toxicity from codeine poisoning includes the opioid threesome of pinpoint pupils, depression of respiration, and loss of consciousness. Convulsions may occur. WHY is this drug prescribed?Codeine is used, usually in combination with other medications, to r educecoughing that does not advance sputum or mucus. It is also used for reliefof mild to moderate pain. When used for pain, codeine is usually used withaspirin and sometimes caffeine.WHEN should it be used?Codeine is usually taken every four to six hours as needed. Follow thedirections on your prescription chase after carefully, and ask your apothecaryor fix to explain either part that you do not understand.HOW should it be used?Codeine is available, alone or with other medications, in tablets,capsules, and liquid to be taken by mouth. Your prescription label tellsyou how much to take at each dose. The liquid should be shaken well beforeeach use to mix the medicine evenly. Ask your pharmacist for a speciallymarked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose. Do not take to a greater extent ofthis drug than prescribed by your doctor. Serious side effects can occur,especially in children who take too much. Adults giving this medication toa child should be careful to channel the correct dose and not to give it moreoften than prescribed by the doctor. For a cough, patients older than 12years should not take more than 120 mg of codeine a day. Children six to12 years old should not take more than 60 mg a day. A doctor should decidehow much codeine can be taken by a child two to five years old. This drugshould not be prone to children younger than two years.Abuse and Dependence Codeine can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and, therefore, has the potential for being abused. Psychological dependence, physical dependence, and leeway may develop upon repeated administration and it should be prescribed and administered with the same degree of caution appropriate to the use of other oral narcotic medications.