Neo-codion

Article by Pharmacist Nguyen Thu Giang - Department of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital

Neo-codion is a drug commonly used to treat dry cough, however this is a prescription drug and should not be abused. With the main active ingredient Codeine camphosulphonate, each tablet contains 15 mg of Codeine, which has the effect of reducing cough by directly affecting the cough center in the medulla. Codeine dries respiratory secretions and increases the viscosity of bronchial secretions. Codeine is not effective enough to relieve severe coughs. Codeine is a cough suppressant for dry coughs that cause insomnia.

1. Indications and Contraindications for Codeine Use

This medication is indicated for symptomatic relief of dry, irritant coughs in adults.

Dosage recommendations:

• Adults: 1 tablet per dose, repeated every 6 hours if needed, up to a maximum of 4 doses per day.
• Elderly or patients with liver impairment: The initial dose should be half the adult dose, and it may be increased if necessary, depending on tolerance and need, but must not exceed the standard adult dosage. Doses should be spaced at least 6 hours apart.

Codeine should not be used in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the medication
• Respiratory depression
• Cough associated with asthma
• Breastfeeding women
• Children under 18 years of age

2. Side Effects of the Medication

The following side effects may occur during the use of this medication:

• Common (incidence > 1%): headache, dizziness, thirst, abnormal sensations, nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, decreased urination, fast or slow heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension.
• Uncommon (incidence 0.1% - 1%): itching, hives, respiratory depression, restlessness, stomach pain, bile duct spasms.
• Rare (incidence < 0.1%): anaphylaxis, hallucinations, disorientation, visual disturbances, seizures, circulatory collapse, flushing, sweating, fatigue.
• Addiction: Prolonged use of codeine at doses ranging from 240 mg to 540 mg per day may result in addiction, characterized by symptoms such as restlessness, tremors, muscle spasms, sweating, and runny nose when the drug is discontinued. Codeine may lead to psychological and physical dependence, as well as tolerance.

The drug also has certain interactions:

• With alcohol, the sedative effect of the drug is amplified, impairing cognition and potentially causing hazards while driving or operating machinery. Therefore, alcohol and alcohol-containing products should be avoided during treatment.
• With opioid-derived painkillers, antidepressants, H1 antihistamines, sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (excluding benzodiazepines), the drug's central nervous system depressant effects are enhanced, which may impair cognition and pose risks during activities like driving or operating machinery.

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