codeine lictus for pain

[SolomonQ]

I know this forum is mainly the domain of the hospital pharmacists but so sorry to intrude, but I was wondering at the feasabilty of codeine linctus use in pain.

as everyone knows (hopefully) codeine phosphate tablets are licensed for use in pain management, and they come normally in the form of tablets, which are classed as POM. Codeine linctus on the other hand is a P medicine, and it contains 5mg codeine phosphate per 5ml. (strongest codeine tablets ive seen are 30mg). now the two ingredients are the same but no where in the literature for codeine linctus ive seen it being recommended for pain and even the bottle only mentions it as anti-tuissive.

I understand the dangers of additions to the linctus, but i dont understand the apparent absence of this information, or is it something im missing, i would underatnd if the codeine salt form in the linctus was different but even thats the same, so anyone can enlighten me on this please?

[BimboRat]

A reference for codeine linctus and pain is at the following address that references the Analgesic Ladder :

http://www.formulary.cht.nhs.uk/pdf,...%20Edition.pdf

- as you can see the linctus is also available as a 25mg/5ml strength that is used for pain relief.

Hope this helps a little

[Band6]

If I ever have to convert anyone's tablets to liquids because of swallowing problems etc, I replace codeine tablets with the linctus as the drug is the same.

[lamzee]

Originally Posted by Band6

If I ever have to convert anyone's tablets to liquids because of swallowing problems etc, I replace codeine tablets with the linctus as the drug is the same.

What base do you use to grind the crushed tablets into? Keltrol? Syrup BP?

[Band6]

I simply dispense a bottle of codeine lintus labelled for the patient to take/nurses to give to the same dose as per the drug chart. Of course I amend the drug chart to reflect the new form. You do have to be a bit careful when it comes to NG/PEG/JEG/NJ tubes - crushing tablets isn't always best as sometimes bits get stuck! I can call on a specialist manufacturing facility within the hospital to make up a liquid if we've got a formula.

[SolomonQ]

my enquiry was more about the codeine linctus bp 5mg/5ml. im sure the 25mg/5ml is licensed for pain but i dont find anything in literature to suggest the lower strenght form can be used in pain (or for diarrhoea)

[Raju]

Originally Posted by SolomonQ

my enquiry was more about the codeine linctus bp 5mg/5ml. im sure the 25mg/5ml is licensed for pain but i dont find anything in literature to suggest the lower strenght form can be used in pain (or for diarrhoea)

i'm sure you mean codeing linctus 15mg/5ml

[SolomonQ]

have u actually checked the bottle, im on about the P medcine normally used for coughs, which isnt as strong as 15mg/5ml, normally hard to find because alot of people abuse it and pharmacies keep it outta site

[silnarnin]

I had a prescription for codeine 25mg/5ml 5-10ml up to TDS for chest pain due to a chesty cough!!!

[SolomonQ]

that sounds right but wouldnt the codeine linctus stop the phlegm from being brought up if the lictus stoped the cough causing other adverse breathing problems because of this!!!