Pholcodine

Indications

Pholcodine is used for: Unproductive coughs, Dry cough

Adult Dose

Oral Cough suppressant Adult: Symptomatic relief of non-productive cough: 5-10 mg 3-4 times daily.

Child Dose

Oral Cough suppressant Child: 12-18 yr: 5-10 mg 3-4 times daily. 6-12 yr: 2-5 mg 3-4 times daily. Not to be used in children under the age of 6 yr.

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Precautions

Long term lung/ breathing problems such as COPD; bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), bronchiectasis (abnormal widening of one or more airways) or damaged/ inflamed lungs caused by a build up of too much mucus (phlegm). Decreased kidney function.Decreased liver function.May affect ability to drive or operate machinery.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Pholcodine : Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Excitation, Confusion, Generalised rash, Excess mucus (phlegm), Congestion

Mechanism of Action

Pholcodine is an anti-tussive agent that acts primarily on the CNS, causing depression of the cough reflex. It has mild sedative effect with little or no analgesic action.