Thornton Ross Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution – Relief for Mild to Moderate Pain

Overview of Thornton Ross Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution

Thornton Ross Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution 25mg/5ml (500ml) effectively relieves mild to moderately severe pain and can treat various other conditions. It is also occasionally prescribed for purposes not listed in the official medication guide.

How Codeine Phosphate Works

Codeine is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme CYP2D6 into morphine, its active form. If a patient lacks this enzyme, they won’t experience adequate pain relief. This deficiency is more common in up to 7% of Caucasians. On the other hand, patients who are ultra-rapid metabolizers may experience opioid toxicity even at normal doses. In these individuals, codeine quickly converts into morphine, leading to dangerously high morphine levels in the blood.

Symptoms of Opioid Toxicity

Patients should monitor for general signs of opioid toxicity, such as confusion, sleepiness, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, constipation, and appetite loss. Severe toxicity can lead to life-threatening circulatory and respiratory issues, including rare instances of fatal outcomes.

Codeine Use During Pregnancy

Pregnant individuals should only use codeine when absolutely necessary, as advised by their doctor. It’s especially important to avoid it in the first trimester. Using codeine in the third trimester can cause respiratory depression in the newborn. Additionally, babies born to mothers who are dependent on opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms. These babies may also face risks like gastric stasis or inhalation pneumonia during labor.

Dosage Recommendations for Children

For children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is one or two 5ml spoonfuls (25-50mg codeine) every 6 hours as needed. However, the total daily dose should not exceed 240mg. The dosage is typically based on the child’s weight, which should be calculated as 0.5-1mg of codeine per kg of body weight.

Important Considerations

Always follow your doctor’s guidelines for codeine use, and ensure proper monitoring for signs of overdose.