Pholcodine

Information About Pholcodine

Uses of Pholcodine

Pholcodine is commonly used to treat dry cough

How Pholcodine Works

Pholcodine is an anti-tussive agent which works by causing suppression of the medullary cough centre in the central nervous system.

Side Effects of Pholcodine

Drowsiness, Phlegm retention, Constipation, Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Rash, Confusion

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Pholcodine Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is not advisable to consume alcohol when taking Pholcodine due to potential worsening of side effect on the central nervous system.

Pregnancy Limited Data

Opioid based medicine can cross the placenta and cause respiratory depression and opioid dependency to the newborn. It is therefore not recommended to be used during pregnancy.

Lactation Limited Data

It is not known whether Pholcodine is excreted into the human breastmilk or not. The lack of data requires the user to cautiously use Pholcodine and only with advice from an expert.

Driving Not advisable

It is not advisable to drive when under Pholcodine treatment due to its potential side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness which can affect the ability to concentrate and drive.

Kidney High Risk

Dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. It is contraindicated to be used for patients with severe renal impairment.

Liver Limited Data

Dosage adjustment may be needed in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. It is contraindicated to be used for patients with severe hepatic impairment.