Codeine overdose

Feb 04, 2005 Viewed: 789

Definition 
Codeine overdose is poisoning from codeine, which is found in many pain-relieving prescription medications.

Poisonous Ingredient 

Codeine

Where Found 

     
  • Tylenol #3  
  • Actifed with Codeine  
  • Robitussin A-C  
  • Empirin #3

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms 

     
  • Body as a whole       o Muscle spasticity  
  • Respiratory       o Breathing - slow and labored       o Breathing - shallow       o Cessation of breathing  
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o Pinpoint pupils  
  • Skin       o Bluish colored - fingernails and lips       o Skin itching  
  • Gastrointestinal       o Spasms of stomach and/or intestinal tract       o Constipation  
  • Heart and blood vessels       o Weak pulse       o Low blood pressure  
  • Nervous system       o Drowsiness       o Coma

Home Treatment 
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call Poison Control for guidance.

Before Calling Emergency 
Determine the following information:

     
  • Patient’s age, weight, and condition  
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)  
  • When it was swallowed  
  • The amount swallowed  
  • If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number 
Call Poison Control or your local emergency number - they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room 
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

     
  • Emptying the stomach (gastric lavage)  
  • Administering activated charcoal  
  • Administering a laxative  
  • Giving a counteracting drug (narcotic antagonist)-multiple doses if needed  
  • Administering intravenous fluids as needed  
  • Monitoring breathing  
  • Treating the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis) 
In an acute overdose, recovery is likely within 24 hours if an antidote can be given.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 4, 2012
by Janet G. Derge, M.D.

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.