Galcodine Paediatric

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > G



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.