Galcodine

How does it work?

Codeine phosphate belongs to a group of medicines called the opioids. It is a mild narcotic analgesic, similar to but weaker than morphine. It also suppresses the cough reflex in the central nervous system. Coughing is a reflex to irritation of the airways. It is useful for clearing mucus, dust and other particles from the throat and lungs. It is important because it reduces the amount of mucous, dirt and bacteria that would otherwise make breathing difficult. Sometimes, coughing can become persistent, even when there is no mucus to clear from the lungs or throat ("dry cough"). The coughing serves no purpose in keeping the lungs clear and can become painful and frustrating. Codeine linctus and codeine linctus (paediatric) are used for the relief of unproductive, dry coughs.

What is it used for?

Dry and irritating cough

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Chronic bronchitis

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Widening of the airways which may be hereditary or due to infection (bronchiectasis)

Not to be used in

Cessation of breathing (respiratory failure)

Children less than 1 year of age

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Liver failure

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.

The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Constipation

Drowsiness

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Addiction to the medicine (dependence)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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