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
Warnings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
