Codeine is an opioid used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. Codeine can be habit forming and can cause serious side effects such as slow heart rate, weak pulse, confusion, hallucinations, seizure and problems with urination. Less severe side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, sweating and mild rash. The most commonly used over the counter oral non-opioid analgesic is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is commonly used for the treatment of knee or hip osteoarthritis. The safety of long term use of acetaminophen has been questioned. The use of acetaminophen has is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Acetaminophen and codeine combination products are used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Acetaminophen/codeine products work in certain areas of the brain and nervous system to decrease pain. The combination of acetaminophen/codeine may provide better pain relief than either medicine alone. The combination drug can have similar side effects as the individual medications. This review evaluates the evidence on the effectiveness of codeine and acetaminophen/codeine combination products used for the treatment of chronic pain as well as dosing safety of acetaminophen, codeine and acetaminophen/codeine in the treatment of acute and chronic pain.
- Pages
- 29
- Published in
- Canada
