Azur compositum SC

Quick links to important sections

Azur compositum SC

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Azur compositum SC

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) & Codeine
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class Opioid Analgesic Combination
Target Group Children (12+) and Adults
Manufacturer Steiner & Co. (Germany) / Aristo Pharma GmbH
Status Prescription-Only Medicine

What Type of Medicine is Azur compositum SC?

Azur compositum SC is a prescription-only, fixed-dose combination pharmaceutical classified as an opioid analgesic and antipyretic designed for pain relief. As a "compositum," it combines two different active drug substances to achieve a stronger effect than either substance alone. The product is manufactured in Germany and is supplied as an oral tablet. Its classification as an opioid combination means it acts centrally on the nervous system, distinguishing it from non-prescription pain relievers.


What is Azur compositum SC Made Of? (Composition and Pharmacological Class)

The product is primarily composed of Paracetamol (a common pain reliever) and Codeine Phosphate (a weak opioid). Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic compound. Codeine is derived from the opium poppy and is clinically recognized for its central action on the nervous system, which alters how the body perceives pain. This pairing delivers a dual-acting mechanism that is a standard therapeutic option supported by clinical practice.


What is the Overall Goal of Taking Azur compositum SC?

The core therapeutic goal of Azur compositum SC is the management of acute moderate to severe pain when pain cannot be adequately controlled by non-opioid medications alone. The combination formulation is positioned to provide enhanced pain control by leveraging the effects of two different pharmacological classes. This pharmacological action is specifically intended to increase the patient's pain threshold, allowing for improved comfort and function during periods of significant discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. Codeine - NIH StatPearls
  2. NIH StatPearls: Codeine Mechanism of Action

What side effects are possible with Azur compositum SC?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Azur compositum SC is officially defined by its two components: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Codeine, with adverse reactions categorized by frequency and the affected body system, strictly following regulatory standards.


Official Adverse Reactions and System-Organ Classes

The most frequently reported effects generally involve the Nervous System and Gastrointestinal Tract.

Classification Examples of Officially Listed Effects
Common Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache.
Rare Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, urticaria), blood dyscrasias (e.g., thrombocytopenia), acute pancreatitis.

Documented Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documents highlight several serious and life-threatening risks. These include Acute Liver Failure/Hepatotoxicity due to the Paracetamol component, often associated with cumulative overdosage. The opioid component carries the risk of Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression, particularly concerning during the initiation of treatment or following a dosage increase, and the risk of Opioid Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse.


Population-Specific Safety Constraints

Specific safety constraints are officially mandated for certain patient groups. The use of codeine is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age and in individuals known to be ultra-rapid CYP2D6 metabolizers, due to the risk of severe toxicity. Caution is also required in older adults and patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment due to altered drug clearance, which can increase the risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, the official label includes warnings about the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome following prolonged use during pregnancy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help: Official Regulatory Information for Azur compositum SC

An overdose of this fixed-dose combination product presents risks derived from both active components, resulting in two distinct patterns of toxicity. Overdose manifestations related to the opioid (Codeine) component include profound central nervous system (CNS) depression, shallow or depressed breathing (respiratory depression), pinpoint pupils (miosis), stupor, and potential circulatory depression or coma.

Conversely, the Paracetamol component primarily leads to delayed toxicity, starting with initial symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sweating, and progressing to severe outcomes like acute liver necrosis and fatal hepatic failure.


Mandatory Emergency Actions

Immediate medical assistance is mandated following any suspected overdose, even in the absence of initial symptoms, due to the documented risk of asymptomatic progression to severe liver damage. Contact emergency services immediately or a Poison Control Center.

The official regulatory treatment strategy involves the prompt administration of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for Paracetamol toxicity and Naloxone to reverse life-threatening opioid-induced respiratory depression. Specific population considerations note an increased risk of severe respiratory effects in children and heightened toxicity hazards for those with pre-existing hepatic or renal impairment. Continuous vital sign monitoring is required.

Therapeutic Uses of Azur compositum SC

Azur compositum SC is applied across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, and may be part of symptomatic management in situations where patients experience pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic.

Managing Moderate to Severe Acute Pain

This medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes of pain that are rated as moderate to severe in intensity, covering symptoms related to physical discomfort such as severe headache or pronounced musculoskeletal pain. The primary goal is to provide supportive relief that contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms. It is generally relevant for managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort in situations where standard pain relief may not be appropriate.

Symptomatic Relief for Post-Intervention and Systemic Pain

Azur compositum SC is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, specifically for acute discomfort following surgical or dental procedures, or pain from acute traumatic injuries. The combination is relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden, as it helps address groups of symptoms that appear suddenly or fluctuate, including both significant pain and elevated body temperature. The use of this medicine may provide support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and assists with maintaining stability during symptomatic periods.

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Discomfort
Target Symptom Severity Moderate to severe pain intensity.
Core Benefit Supportive relief for acute pain episodes.
Ancillary Benefit Assists with managing elevated body temperature (fever).
Typical Context Short-term management of pain from procedures or trauma.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed Official Label

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Azur compositum SC eligibility is defined by official regulatory documentation, primarily based on age, metabolic profile, and pre-existing medical conditions, reflecting the risks associated with the codeine component.

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

The medicine is contraindicated in several groups due to the risk of serious adverse events, including respiratory depression:

  • Children under 12 years of age for any use.
  • Children under 18 years of age after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.
  • Women who are breastfeeding.
  • Patients known to be CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers.
  • Patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (liver failure).
  • Patients with significant respiratory depression or severe bronchial asthma.

Conditional and Restricted Use

Use is restricted or requires caution in other populations:

Population Group Eligibility Status (Regulatory Wording)
Adolescents (12-18 years) Conditional use; only if non-opioid analgesics are insufficient.
Pregnancy Restricted use; prolonged use or use near term is not recommended.
Severe Renal/Hepatic Impairment Use with caution; dose adjustments may be required.
Older Adults Use with caution; monitor closely due to increased sensitivity.
Chronic Constipation Contraindicated in some regions; use with caution in others.

These eligibility rules define the authorized population and must be followed strictly, as established by major regulatory bodies.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This medicine's official regulatory profile documents specific interaction patterns concerning its two active components, Codeine and Paracetamol. These interactions fall into both pharmacokinetic (metabolic) and pharmacodynamic (additive) categories.


Interaction Scope

Property Description (Strictly Regulatory-Aligned)
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, general anesthetics), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, triptans), CYP2D6 inhibitors, and CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers.
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed) Amiodarone and Quinidine are referenced as class examples of CYP2D6 inhibitors known to alter exposure.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label) Pharmacokinetic: Inhibition or induction of Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2D6 and CYP3A4), altering plasma concentrations of Codeine or its active metabolite, Morphine. Pharmacodynamic: Additive CNS depression and synergistic serotonergic effects.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable) Co-administration with MAOIs is formally contraindicated, extending for 14 days following discontinuation of an MAOI.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable) Risk of life-threatening respiratory depression is noted as heightened in Ultra-Rapid CYP2D6 Metabolizers. Underlying liver disease increases the hepatotoxicity risk associated with the Paracetamol component.
Interaction-related restrictions Formally contraindicated combinations with MAOIs; restrictions apply to co-use with other CNS depressants due to the documented risk of profound sedation.

Official Interaction Statements:

  • Co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) is a formal contraindication due to the documented risk of profound CNS depression and must be avoided for 14 days after the MAOI is discontinued.
  • The regulatory label specifies that chronic, excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the documented risk of acute liver failure associated with the Paracetamol component.
  • Concomitant use with CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol) may result in additive effects that are officially described as leading to profound sedation and respiratory depression.
  • Co-administration with CYP2D6 inhibitors may cause a decrease in the plasma concentration of the active metabolite (Morphine), which is officially described as potentially leading to reduced analgesic efficacy.
  • The use of serotonergic drugs concomitantly is associated with the officially documented risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

Connection to the overall interaction profile: Regulatory documents define the product's interaction structure by mandating specific warnings and restrictions that govern both pharmacodynamic effects, such as the additive CNS depression with other sedating agents, and pharmacokinetic consequences, including the alteration of Codeine and Morphine exposure by CYP450 enzyme inhibitors and inducers.

Mechanism of Action

Azur compositum SC operates via two distinct, yet complementary, central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms.

Central Opioid Receptor Engagement and Nociceptive Signal Modification

This domain covers the process by which Codeine, after required enzymatic conversion by CYP2D6 to its active metabolite, acts as an agonist on mu-Opioid Receptors (mu-OR). This engagement initiates a molecular cascade that dampens the transmission of ascending pain signals in the spinal cord and modifies central nociceptive signaling. This action elevates the physiological set-point for pain signaling.


Central Prostaglandin Inhibition and Thermoregulatory Set-Point

This domain focuses on the action of Paracetamol to reduce the synthesis of key chemical mediators, primarily Prostaglandin E2 ( PGE2), within the CNS by inhibiting Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This targeted inhibition influences systems where these mediators dominate, affecting both pain signal desensitization and the body's temperature control center. The physiological effect is central desensitization to pain signals and resetting of the hypothalamic thermoregulatory set-point.


Mechanistic Synergy via Dual Pathway Targeting

The overall physiological profile of this drug emerges from the synergy of its components, which act on non-overlapping mechanistic domains (receptor binding vs. enzyme inhibition) within the CNS. This combination approach modulates multiple critical points in the pain signaling pathway, utilizing non-overlapping central mechanisms to affect nociception.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Azur compositum SC

Azur compositum SC is an oral combination analgesic intended for the short-term management of acute moderate to severe pain. The guiding principle for administration is to use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration.


Administration Principles

Feature Official Usage Principle
Route of Administration The medicine is administered orally as an immediate-release tablet.
Dosing Frequency The tablet is used as needed (PRN) for pain, typically every 4 to 6 hours. A minimum interval of four hours between administrations must be maintained.
Maximum Dose The total daily intake of the Acetaminophen component must not exceed 4,000 mg (4 grams) in 24 hours. Single doses of the Codeine component are generally not recommended to exceed 60 mg.
Timing with Food The oral tablet may be taken with or without food.

Population-Specific Rules

Use is strictly contraindicated for all children younger than 12 years of age. For adults, caution is advised, and dose adjustments are often necessary for patients with hepatic or renal impairment due to the potential for altered drug clearance. In instances of regular, long-term use where physical dependence has occurred, the standard protocol mandates a gradual dose reduction (tapering) to safely discontinue the medicine.


The overall use protocol is structured around short-term symptomatic support, demanding precise adherence to maximum dose limits and the required time interval between doses.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Azur compositum SC

1. Evidence for Use in Acute Pain Following Procedures

Research related to this combination medicine (paracetamol and codeine) has been conducted in clinical trials evaluating acute moderate to severe pain that can occur immediately after surgical or dental procedures. These investigations often use a rigorous study design known as a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), where the medicine is compared against an inactive substance (placebo) or against the non-opioid component (paracetamol) alone.

Researchers primarily examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, specifically measuring the degree of change in pain measures studied over short time periods. They also monitored the duration of time that elapsed before the measured use of rescue medication. Studies reported patterns where measurements of pain differed when compared to the placebo control.

2. Evidence for Use in General Acute Pain Management

Furthermore, research has also explored how this combination was evaluated in general, short-lived episodes of moderate pain when standard pain relievers were insufficient. This broader evidence base includes Systematic Reviews, which gather and synthesize results from several smaller trials to provide a comprehensive picture of the findings. These analyses examined whether adding the codeine component resulted in an incremental change in pain scores when compared to paracetamol given alone. The data indicate patterns related to the specific dosages of codeine used in the combination, and the reported change may vary based on the specific formulation.

3. Study Design and Uncertainty

The collective evidence landscape is based on research primarily looking at immediate, time-limited effects. A key limitation is the limited information for long-term outcomes related to the repeated or continuous use of the combination medicine. The research is designed to provide context on the initial short-term symptom changes but provides limited insight into questions of extended management. Additionally, the findings were mixed regarding the incremental evaluation across the studied populations and pain conditions.

Key Studies & References

  1. Codeine: Overview of Use, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety (Source for Codeine Pharmacological Class and Regulatory History)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Azur compositum SC (FAQ)


Q: How quickly should I expect to see any effects from Azur compositum SC?

Official product information describes Azur compositum SC as an immediate-release medicine intended for acute, short-term use. Administration is typically recommended at intervals of every four to six hours as needed for pain. Research studies generally examine changes in pain measures over short time periods to evaluate its rapid effect.


Q: Is it normal to feel a mild stomach upset when starting Azur compositum SC?

According to the official safety profile, effects involving the Gastrointestinal Tract are commonly reported. These can include feelings of nausea, vomiting, and constipation. These types of symptoms are described in regulatory documentation as commonly reported effects.


Q: Are there any long-term effects of using Azur compositum SC for several years?

Official research is primarily designed to examine the medicine's immediate, time-limited effects for acute pain management. Regulatory documents highlight a key limitation in the evidence base regarding data on long-term outcomes related to repeated or continuous use for several years.


Q: Does Azur compositum SC interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Regulatory documents mandate caution when co-administering products that have additive effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS). Official warnings note that the regulatory label requires professional oversight when used with other medicines, especially those that can affect metabolism via CYP450 enzymes in the liver.


Q: Can Azur compositum SC make me feel tired or drowsy?

Official safety information lists drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness as commonly reported effects. These are typically experienced due to the way the medicine acts on the central nervous system.


Q: Can Azur compositum SC affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Due to commonly reported effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness, regulatory documents include a warning that this medicine may impair a person's ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness. This includes driving or operating heavy machinery.


Q: What kind of side effects are considered 'less common' for Azur compositum SC?

The official safety profile uses the term 'Rare' to classify the less common adverse effects. These rare events include hypersensitivity reactions, such as a rash or hives, and certain blood disorders that involve the reduction of blood cell counts (blood dyscrasias).


Q: Is it normal to experience little to no effect in the first few weeks of using Azur compositum SC?

Studies have shown that findings were mixed regarding the incremental evaluation across the populations studied. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Codeine component relies on its conversion by the CYP2D6 enzyme, and this metabolic process is known to vary widely between different individuals, which can affect the expected result.


Q: How does the drug's mechanism of action (how it works) relate to its benefits?

The drug is defined as achieving its benefits through a mechanistic synergy by targeting non-overlapping domains in the Central Nervous System (CNS). It combines one component that acts on opioid receptors and another that reduces pain-causing chemicals by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. This combination approach is defined to modulate multiple critical points in the pain pathway for enhanced pain management.


Q: What is the main difference between Azur compositum SC and other similar products I see advertised?

Official classification defines Azur compositum SC as a prescription-only, fixed-dose combination that is classified as an opioid analgesic and antipyretic. This combination is recognized in regulatory documents as a standard therapeutic option for managing acute moderate to severe pain when non-opioid medications alone are insufficient.


Q: Why do some people say Azur compositum SC changed their life while others don't notice anything?

Official documents describe that the efficacy of the Codeine component is dependent on its metabolic conversion by the CYP2D6 enzyme, which is subject to metabolic variability between individuals. If the body converts Codeine too quickly or too slowly, the effect may be altered. Research has also indicated that overall study findings were mixed across various populations.


Q: Can Azur compositum SC cause sleep problems?

The official product information lists drowsiness as a common effect due to its action on the central nervous system. However, regulatory documents do not explicitly list adverse reactions such as insomnia or restlessness under the officially reported effects.


Q: How does Azur compositum SC compare to older treatments for similar conditions?

The product is classified as a fixed-dose combination of two established compounds, delivering a dual-acting mechanism. This combination approach is considered a standard therapeutic option supported by clinical practice for the management of acute moderate to severe pain.


Q: Is it possible for Azur compositum SC to stop working after a period of time?

Regulatory documents include warnings concerning the risk of Opioid Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse related to repeated use. For patients who have used the medicine regularly and may have developed physical dependence, the official protocol mandates a gradual dose reduction (tapering) to safely discontinue the medicine.


Q: Do I need to take Azur compositum SC forever, or is it only for a short time?

The medicine is officially indicated for the short-term management of acute moderate to severe pain. Regulatory bodies define the guiding principle for administration as using the lowest effective dosage for the shortest possible duration.


Q: What's the difference between Azur compositum SC and a placebo in studies?

Research studies compared the medicine against an inactive substance (placebo) and reported patterns where measurements of pain differed when using the active drug. These investigations also monitored the duration of time that passed before the measured need for rescue medication was reached.


Q: Why did my doctor prescribe Azur compositum SC instead of another option?

The core therapeutic goal of this medicine is the management of acute moderate to severe pain when the pain cannot be adequately controlled by non-opioid medications alone. The combination is intended to provide enhanced pain control by acting on two different pharmacological pathways.


Q: Are there special monitoring requirements (like blood tests) needed when using Azur compositum SC?

Official warnings note caution is required for patients with hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment due to the possibility of altered drug clearance. This increases the risk of serious adverse effects such as Acute Liver Failure, which requires professional oversight and may involve potential dose adjustments.


Q: Is there a risk of withdrawal symptoms if I suddenly stop using Azur compositum SC?

The official protocol mandates a gradual dose reduction (tapering) to safely discontinue the medicine in patients who have used it regularly enough to develop physical dependence. This required tapering protocol is in place to manage the effects associated with discontinuation.


Q: Is the research on Azur compositum SC peer-reviewed and reliable?

The collective evidence base used for official documentation includes rigorous study designs such as Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews. These study types are the standard scientific classifications relied upon by regulatory bodies to investigate and synthesize clinical findings.


Q: Does Azur compositum SC have any known contraindications with herbal remedies?

Regulatory documents list specific interaction patterns concerning medicines that affect CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 metabolic enzymes. Herbal remedies or supplements that impact these specific metabolic pathways may therefore alter the drug's effects, and official warnings note that professional oversight is required when considering all concomitant products.


Q: Why do some forums discuss problems getting refills of Azur compositum SC?

This medicine contains Codeine and is classified as a Prescription-Only Medicine and an Opioid Analgesic Combination. Official regulations governing its status as a controlled substance typically require strict controls over the prescribing and dispensing process, which can sometimes impact refills.


Q: Does Azur compositum SC show up on standard drug tests?

The product contains Codeine, which is clinically recognized as an opioid. Since Codeine is a controlled substance, drug tests that screen for compounds in the opioid class may be impacted by the use of this medicine.


Q: Can Azur compositum SC cause changes in mood or behavior?

Regulatory documents list central nervous system effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness as commonly reported. Additionally, the medicine carries an official warning about the risk of Opioid Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse, which can potentially affect behavior.


Q: Can Azur compositum SC affect alcohol consumption?

Official warnings state that concomitant use with alcohol may result in additive effects that are described as leading to profound sedation and respiratory depression. Furthermore, chronic, excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the documented risk of acute liver failure associated with the Paracetamol component.

How should Azur compositum SC be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Azur compositum SC, which contains an opioid (Codeine), must be stored according to strict regulatory guidelines to prevent accidental ingestion and misuse. The medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and secured in a locked cabinet, drawer, or safe place.

Store the tablets at room temperature and protect them from excess heat and moisture. The product should remain in its tightly closed, original container to ensure stability.

For disposal, the preferred method is to use an authorized drug take-back location or mail-back program. If these are unavailable, remove the tablets from the container, mix them with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds), seal the mixture, and place it in the trash. Do not flush the medicine down the toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Azur compositum SC found in:

A-Z Index: