Overview
DESCRIPTION Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets are supplied in tablet form for oral administration. Acetaminophen, 4’-hydroxyacetanilide, a slightly bitter, white, odorless, crystalline powder, is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. It has the following structural formula: Codeine phosphate, 7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6α-ol phosphate (1:1)...
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Codeine is an opioid agonist relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, but with a much weaker affinity than morphine. The analgesic properties of codeine have been speculated to come from its conversion to morphine, although the exact mechanism of analgesic action remains unknown. The precise mechanism of the analgesic properties of acetaminophen is not established but is thought to involve central actions. Pharmacodynamics Effects on the Central Nervous System Codeine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets are indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain, where treatment with an opioid is appropriate and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise...
Common Doses
- 300 mg
- 600 mg
- 15 mg
- 60 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings]. Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently...
Black Box Warning
WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE: RISK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION STRATEGY (REMS), LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; ULTRA-RAPID METABOLISM OF CODEINE AND OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR LIFE- THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS AFFECTING CYTOCHROME P450 ISOENZYMES; HEPATOTOXICITY; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF ACETAMINOPHEN AND CODEINE PHOSPHATE TABLETS Addiction, Abuse and Misuse Because the...
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets are contraindicated for: • All children younger than 12 years of age (see WARNINGS ). • Post-operative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy ( see WARNINGS ) . Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate tablets are contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [ see WARNINGS ]. • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [ see WARNINGS ] .
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS •The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see WARNINGS ] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see WARNINGS ] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see WARNINGS ] • Ultra-rapid Metabolizers of Codeine [see WARNINGS ] • Interactions with CNS Depressants [see WARNINGS ] • Severe Hypotension [see WARNINGS ] • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see WARNINGS ] • Seizures [see WARNINGS ] • Withdrawal [see WARNINGS ] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [See Warnings ] The...
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.