Why am I not supposed to use pholcodine if i am experiencing cough with phlegm?

pholcodine is a medicine that suppresses coughing. It is used for dry, irritating coughs that do not involve phlegm. If you have cough with phlegem (mucus), taking pholcodine will cause a build-up of phlegm in the lungs which increases the risk of infections.

How does pholcodine help with my condition?

pholcodine is a medicines that suppress coughing. It does not cure the underlying disease that you have, however it helps to provide the symptomatic relief by reducing the frequency and severity of your cough.

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

Information About Pholcodine

Pholcodine is a centrally acting opioid-related cough suppressant used to treat non-productive dry cough in Singapore. Available as a 5mg–15mg oral tablet or syrup taken every four to six hours as needed, it is HSA-registered and available on prescription only in Singapore. It suppresses the cough reflex by acting on mu and kappa opioid receptors in the brainstem cough centre without causing significant analgesia or respiratory depression at recommended doses — it should not be combined with MAOIs due to risk of serotonergic reactions. A valid doctor's consultation is required before dispensing. Order Pholcodine online at DoctorOnCall Singapore with same-day delivery available. Speak to a DoctorOnCall physician today to check if Pholcodine is right for you.

Pholcodine is a medication commonly used to relieve dry, irritating, and non-productive coughs. It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, helping reduce the urge to cough and providing symptomatic relief. Pholcodine belongs to a class of medications known as cough suppressants (antitussives) and is widely used in respiratory and cough management care. Find affordable Pholcodine options from trusted brands at DoctorOnCall.

Conclusion

Consult our doctors online for safe and effective use of Pholcodine tailored to your health needs. Find the best prices for affordable Pholcodine syrups, linctuses, and oral formulations at DoctorOnCall Singapore.

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. Adeline Carol Peters, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Reviewed by

Dr. Mohd Izzat Amir Bin Awang, Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Mansoura - Manchester