Codeine

[mano07]

what are the most common codeine prepatations that are prescribed?

why are they being prescribed when codeine is addictive?

are there any alternatives to codeine preparations?

[crit care]

have you looked anywhere for these questions? look through any stack of prescriptions in a pharmacy shop and see whats being prescribed, or just see what you have got on your shelf in the dispensary

they are prescribed for those in pain where paracetamol is not effective...basic WHO pain ladder

As for alternatives...yes...there are other pain killers out on the market..any BNF will tell you which ones

[mano07]

so it all goes down to the pain ladder?
i dont work in a pharmacy so id like to know which preps are most commonly prescribed..

[johnep]

Co-codamol tabs 8/500 and Co-codamol 30/500.
Codeine also prescribed freely in 15,30 and 60mg doses.

Codeine cough syrup not prescribed so frequently now.

Not seen a codeine syrup for infants script for at least 20 years.
johnep

[crit care]

when dealing with pain, the WHO pain ladder seems the msot sensible thing to refer to.....it would be odd to go straight in with the likes of morphine before trying something like paracetamol or a weaker opioid...unless you are faced with a patient with half their arm hanging off and you can judge that a piddly dose of codeine will do nothing and only bung them uP!

[mano07]

the co-codamol tabs and codeine im guessing are prescribed for pain

do u know if patients come into the pharmacy demanding codeine containing products?

[johnep]

All the time.
johnep

[mano07]

would you say that is because they are addicted?
what do you think if your're the pharmacist would you prescribe it to them?

[johnep]

Some are, some are not. These products are heavily advertised for pain relief on TV.
Most used for head aches. I would suggest for severe headache with advice to see GP, also for toothache ie where pain is nerve related. Most popular products are probably Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine.
When selling a 'P' product, assistant or pharmacist always queries patient and gives advice.
Go into a pharmacy and see for yourself.
johnep