Efferalgan Codeine is a medication used for pain relief and fever reduction. It is typically prescribed for moderate to severe pain or in cases where other peripheral pain relievers are ineffective. This medication provides faster and longer-lasting pain relief compared to many alternatives.
1. What is Efferalgan Codeine?
Efferalgan Codeine is a medication that can alleviate pain and reduce fever. It is available in effervescent tablet form, which contains two main active ingredients:
- Paracetamol
- Codeine
Paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen, this is a metabolite of phenacetin and belongs to non-steroidal pain and fever relievers. It is effective for moderate pain relief and fever management. On the other hand, codeine is an opioid that acts centrally to relieve pain. Additionally, Efferalgan Codeine includes excipients that ensure the tablet's stability, solubility, and consistency.
2. What Are the benefits of Efferalgan Codeine?
The combination of paracetamol and codeine makes Efferalgan Codeine effective for managing moderate to severe pain, particularly when other peripheral pain relievers fail to provide relief. Its effects are faster and last longer than many alternatives.
3. How to Use Efferalgan Codeine?
This medication should be used as directed by a healthcare physician. The recommended doses are:
- For children aged 12 to under 18 years: 1–2 tablets per dose, depending on pain severity, doses should be taken at least 6 hours apart, with a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- For adults (18 years and older): 1–2 tablets per dose, depending on pain severity. Doses should be taken every 4–6 hours, with a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Usage instructions: Dissolve the effervescent tablet in a large glass of water and drink immediately after the tablet has fully dissolved. Do not use Efferalgan Codeine for more than 3 days.
Important: Do not abuse Efferalgan Codeine for pain relief. Prolonged use may lead to codeine dependency. If symptoms persist after 3 days, consult a doctor for further management options.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never double up to make up for a missed dose.
4. Management in case of an Overdose
Signs of Efferalgan Codeine overdose: Coma, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, slow breathing, acute pulmonary edema, seizures, respiratory arrest, circulatory collapse, liver damage
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention from the doctor or the nearest medical center. Bring the remaining tablets with you for proper diagnosis and treatment.
5. Possible Side Effects of Efferalgan Codeine
Efferalgan Codeine may cause side effects, including:
- Shallow breathing, wheezing, changes in respiratory rate, respiratory arrest
- Blurred vision or hallucinations
- Liver damage: jaundice, impaired liver and kidney function
- Dizziness, headache, or insomnia
- Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, or difficulty urinating
- Rashes, hives, or pruritus
- Excessive sweating, feelings of euphoria, depression, or irritability
- Addiction to the medication
6. Contraindications for Efferalgan codeine
This medication is not suitable for the following individuals:
- Pregnant women in their third trimester, during labor, or breastfeeding
- Individuals with known allergies to any component of Efferalgan Codeine
- Patients with severe liver or kidney impairment, decompensated liver failure
- Individual currently on treatment for diarrhea due to intoxication or on antibiotics treatment
- Children under 12 years old or those recently undergoing procedures like tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy for sleep apnea
- Patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma or emphysema
- Individuals with alcohol use disorder
7. Precautions When Using Efferalgan Codeine
- Patients with regular alcohol use using Efferalgan Codeine may increase the risk of liver damage and amplify the sedative effects of codeine.
- The composition of Efferalgan Codeine contains sodium salts, so it should be used with caution in patients on a low-sodium diet, such as those with cardiovascular diseases or hypertension.
- Efferalgan Codeine contains codeine, an active ingredient with sedative effects, which may cause drowsiness, especially at the start of treatment.
- Therefore, after taking the medication, activities requiring high alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, should be avoided.
Efferalgan Codeine may interact with alcohol (a central nervous system depressant), as concurrent use can enhance the sedative effects of the medication. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be avoided during the course of treatment with this drug.
In addition to alcohol, Efferalgan Codeine may also interact with the following medications:
- Sedatives or other medications causing drowsiness
- Medications containing opioids or used for alcohol use disorder
- Cough suppressants and antihistamines
- Antidepressants and antipsychotics
- Medications containing ethanol
- Anticoagulants
- Anti-psychotics
- Muscle relaxants
- Antihypertensive medication
- Antiemetics and medications for peptic ulcer disease.
- Antidiarrheal medications.
- Cholestyramine.
- Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, flucloxacillin, and rifampicin.
- Other analgesics.
Inform the doctor of all medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
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