Codex

Codex (acetaminophen and Codeine (Codex) phosphate tablets) is indicated for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain.

Relieving mild to moderately severe pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Codex/ Codeine (Codex) is a narcotic and analgesic/antipyretic combination. It works in the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.

Dosage should be adjusted according to severity of pain and response of the patient.

The usual adult dosage is:

The usual dose of Codeine (Codex) phosphate in children is 0.5 mg/kg.

Doses may be repeated up to every 4 hours.

The prescriber must determine the number of tablets per dose, and the maximum number of tablets per 24 hours based upon the above dosage guidance. This information should be conveyed in the prescription.

It should be kept in mind, however, that tolerance to Codeine (Codex) can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related. Adult doses of Codeine (Codex) higher than 60 mg fail to give commensurate relief of pain but merely prolong analgesia and are associated with an appreciably increased incidence of undesirable side effects. Equivalently high doses in children would have similar effects.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Codex?

Decreased kidney function.

Decreased liver function.

Children under 10 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to 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.

Use Codex/ Codeine (Codex) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Codex/ Codeine (Codex) by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• If you have been taking Codex/ Codeine (Codex) regularly or for longer than a few weeks, do not suddenly stop taking it without checking with your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually lower your dose.
• If you miss a dose of Codex/ Codeine (Codex) and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Codex/ Codeine (Codex).

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you take this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

You should not take other medicines that contain Paracetamol (Codex) in combination with this medicine, as this can easily result in exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of Paracetamol (Codex). Many cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter painkillers contain Paracetamol (Codex), so be sure to check the ingredients of any other medicines before taking them with this one. Codex yellow can be taken four hours after taking Codex pink if you still have a migraine, but make sure you do not exceed the maximum dose recommended in the information leaflet.

This medicine should be used with caution in people taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), for example the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine or isocarboxacid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you have taken an MAOI in the last 14 days.

Cholestyramine reduces the absorption of Paracetamol (Codex) from the gut. It should not be taken within an hour of taking Paracetamol (Codex) or the effect of the Paracetamol (Codex) will be reduced.

Metoclopramide and domperidone may increase the absorption of Paracetamol (Codex) from the gut.

Long-term or regular use of Paracetamol (Codex) may increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of warfarin and other anticoagulant medicines, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This effect does not occur with occasional painkilling doses. If you are taking an anticoagulant medicine and you are also taking co-codamol regularly, your blood clotting time (INR) should be regularly monitored.

In the unlikely event that this medicine makes you feel drowsy, this may be enhanced by other medicines that can cause drowsiness, such as the following:

antipsychotics, eg haloperidol

barbiturates, eg phenobarbital, amobarbital

benzodiazepines, eg diazepam, temazepam

other opioids, eg morphine, dihydrocodeine

sedating antihistamines, eg chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine

sleeping tablets, eg zopiclone

tricyclic antidepressants, eg amitriptyline.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Codex?

dizziness, light-headedness, feeling, faint, sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, vision disturbance, unusual tiredness or weakness, insomnia, constipation, stomach cramps, painful urination, redness or swelling at the place of injection, nightmares, a false sense of well-being, dry mouth, headache, or malaise. You may also experience the less common side effects of dark urine, bloody, black or tarry stools, white spots on lips or mouth, sore throat, pain in your lower back or side, jaundice, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, tremor or uncontrolled movements, sweating, irregular breathing, facial swelling, ringing in the ears, flushing, depression or mood swings, pale stools, or hallucinations. Taking too much Codex can be dangerous, and you should get emergency help immediately if you experience cold or clammy skin, severe weakness, confusion, slow heartbeat, severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, low blood pressure, liver or kidney damage, or severe restlessness or nervousness.