Codeine Phosphate Inj 30mg/mL Product Monograph

SUMMARY PRODUCT INFORMATION

INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE

Adults

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain of various causes.

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic.

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age)

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Pediatrics (<12years of age)

The safety and efficacy of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP has not been studied in the pediatric population. Regardless of clinical setting, the use of codeine is contraindicated in patients below the age of 12 years due to increased safety concerns (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Pediatrics (< 12years of age)).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance codeine or other opioid analgesics or to any ingredient in the formulation. For a complete listing, see the DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the Product Monograph.
• In patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (e.g., bowel obstruction or strictures) or any diseases/conditions that affect bowel transit (e.g., ileus of any type).
• Patients with suspected surgical abdomen (e.g., acute appendicitis or pancreatitis).
• Patients with mild pain that can be managed with other pain medications.
• Patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive airway, or status asthmaticus.
• Patients with acute respiratory depression, elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood and cor pulmonale.
• Patients with acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, and convulsive disorders.
• Patients with severe CNS depression, increased cerebrospinal or intracranial pressure, and head injury.
• Patients taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (or within 14 days of such therapy).
• Women who are pregnant (see SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).
• Pediatric patients (<12 years of age)
• Pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who have undergone tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

General

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should be stored securely to avoid theft or misuse.

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should only be prescribed by persons knowledgeable in the continuous administration of potent opioids, in the management of patients receiving potent opioids for the treatment of pain, and in the detection and management of respiratory depression, including the use of opioid antagonists.

Patients should be cautioned not to consume alcohol while taking Codeine Phosphate Injection USP as it may increase the chance of experiencing serious adverse events, including death.

Hyperalgesia that will not respond to a further dose increase of codeine can occur at particularly high doses. A codeine dose reduction or change in opioid may be required.

Use with caution in patients with seizures as they may be exacerbated or induced by opioids.

Use with caution in patients with cardiac arrhythmias due to the cholinergic effects of the drug.

Abuse and Misuse

Like all opioids, Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is a potential drug of abuse and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Therefore, Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should be prescribed and handled with caution.

Patients should be assessed for their clinical risks for opioid abuse or addiction prior to being prescribed opioids. All patients receiving opioids should be routinely monitored for signs of misuse and abuse.

Opioids, such as Codeine Phosphate Injection USP, should be used with particular care in patients with a history of alcohol and illicit/prescription drug abuse. However, concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain.

Cardiovascular

Codeine administration may result in severe hypotension in patients whose ability to maintain adequate blood pressure is compromised by reduced blood volume, or concurrent administration of drugs such as phenothiazines and other tranquilizers, sedative/hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants or general anesthetics. These patients should be monitored for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dose of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP.

The use of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP in patients with circulatory shock should be avoided as it may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure.

Rapid intravenous injection of opioid analgesics increases the possibility of hypotension and respiratory depression and should be avoided (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Dependence/Tolerance

As with other opioids, tolerance and physical dependence may develop upon repeated administration of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP and there is a potential for development of psychological dependence.

Physical dependence and tolerance reflect the neuroadaptation of the opioid receptors to chronic exposure to an opioid, and are separate and distinct from abuse and addiction. Tolerance, as well as physical dependence, may develop upon repeated administration of opioids, and are not by themselves evidence of an addictive disorder or abuse.

Patients on prolonged therapy should be tapered gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. Withdrawal symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation of therapy or upon administration of an opioid antagonist. Some of the symptoms that may be associated with abrupt withdrawal of an opioid analgesic include body aches, diarrhea, goosebumps, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness or restlessness, anxiety, runny nose, sneezing, tremors or shivering, stomach cramps, tachycardia, trouble with sleeping, unusual increase in sweating, palpitations, unexplained fever, weakness and yawning (see ADVERSE REACTIONS; DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Adjustment or Reduction of Dosage).

Use in Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is an opioid with no approved use in the management of addictive disorders. Its proper usage in individuals with drug or alcohol dependence, either active or in remission, is for the management of pain requiring opioid analgesia. Patients with a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol may be at higher risk of becoming addicted to Codeine Phosphate Injection USP; extreme caution and awareness are warranted to mitigate the risk.

Endocrine

Adrenal Insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Codeine and other morphine-like opioids have been shown to decrease bowel motility. Codeine may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

Prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in withdrawal signs in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn.

Use of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is contraindicated in pregnant women (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Neurologic

Interactions with Central Nervous System Depressants (including benzodiazepines and alcohol): Codeine should be used with caution and in a reduced dosage during concomitant administration of other opioid analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines and other tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, centrally-active anti-emetics and other CNS depressants. Respiratory depression, hypotension and profound sedation, coma or death may result.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be administered if patients have been or are consuming alcohol as it may increase the chance of experiencing dangerous side effects, including death (see CONTRAINDICATIONS; ADVERSE REACTIONS, Sedation; and DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Severe pain antagonizes the subjective and respiratory depressant actions of opioid analgesics. Should pain suddenly subside, these effects may rapidly become manifest.

Head Injury: The respiratory depressant effects of codeine, and the capacity to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure, may be greatly increased in the presence of an already elevated intracranial pressure produced by trauma. Also, codeine may produce confusion, miosis, vomiting and other side effects which obscure the clinical course of patients with head injury. In such patients, codeine must be used with extreme caution and only if it is judged essential (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Serotonin Syndrome: Codeine Phosphate Injection USP could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs (e.g. anti-depressants, migraine medications). Treatment with the serotoninergic drug should be discontinued if such events (characterized by clusters of symptoms such as hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes including confusion, irritability, extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated. Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be used in combination with MAO inhibitors or serotonin-precursors (such as L-tryptophan, oxitriptan) and should be used with caution in combination with other serotonergic drugs (triptans, certain tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, St. John’s Wort) due to the risk of serotonergic syndrome (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).

Peri-Operative Considerations

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is not indicated for pre-emptive analgesia (administration pre-operatively for the management of post-operative pain).

In the case of planned chordotomy or other pain-relieving operations, patients should not be treated with Codeine Phosphate Injection USP for at least 24 hours before the operation and Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be used in the immediate post-operative period.

Physicians should individualize treatment, moving from parenteral to oral analgesics as appropriate. Thereafter, if Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is to be continued after the patient recovers from the post-operative period, a new dosage should be administered in accordance with the changed need for pain relief. The risk of withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patients should be addressed as clinically indicated.

The administration of analgesics in the peri-operative period should be managed by healthcare providers with adequate training and experience (e.g., by an anesthesiologist).

Codeine and other morphine-like opioids have been shown to decrease bowel motility. Ileus is a common post-operative complication, especially after intra-abdominal surgery with opioid analgesia. Caution should be taken to monitor for decreased bowel motility in post-operative patients receiving opioids. Standard supportive therapy should be implemented.

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be used in the early post-operative period (12 to 24 hours post-surgery) unless the patient is ambulatory and gastrointestinal function is normal.

Psychomotor Impairment

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP may impair the mental and/or physical abilities needed for certain potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Patients should be cautioned accordingly. Patients should also be cautioned about the combined effects of codeine with other CNS depressants, including other opioids, phenothiazine, sedative/hypnotics and alcohol.

Respiratory

Respiratory Depression: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression from opioid use, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status. Codeine should be used with extreme caution in patients with substantially decreased respiratory reserve, pre-existing respiratory depression, hypoxia or hypercapnia (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dose increase. Patients should be closely monitored for respiratory depression when initiating therapy with Codeine Phosphate Injection USP and following dose increases.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in the elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP are essential. Overestimating the Codeine Phosphate Injection USP dose when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. In these patients, the use of non-opioid analgesics should be considered, if feasible (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Special Risk Groups; and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is not recommended for use in any patient in whom respiratory function might be compromised including neuromuscular disorders, severe cardiac or respiratory conditions, lung infections, multiple trauma or extensive surgical procedures.

Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and had evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine (i.e., multiple copies of the gene for cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2D6 or high morphine concentrations).Children with obstructive sleep apnea who are treated with codeine for post-tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy pain may be particularly sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine that has been rapidly metabolized to morphine. Codeine-containing products are contraindicated for post-operative pain management in all pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Use in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease: Monitor patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and patients having a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory depression for respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy and titrating with Codeine Phosphate Injection USP, as in these patients, even usual therapeutic doses of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP may decrease respiratory drive to the point of apnea. In patients with asthma or pulmonary emphysema, codeine may, due to its drying action on the respiratory mucosa, increase viscosity of bronchial secretions and suppress the cough reflex.

In these patients, use of alternative non-opioid analgesics should be considered, if possible. The use of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is contraindicated in Patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive airway, or status asthmaticus (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Sexual Function/Reproduction

Long-term use of opioids may be associated with decreased sex hormone levels and symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, or infertility (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Experience).

Special Populations

Special Risk Groups: Codeine should be administered with caution to patients with a history of alcohol and drug abuse and in a reduced dosage to debilitated patients, and in patients with severely impaired hepatic or renal function, severely impaired pulmonary function, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, myxedema, toxic psychosis, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture.

Ultra-Rapid Metabolizers of Codeine: Some individuals may be ultra-rapid metabolizers due to a specific CYP2D6*2x2 genotype. These individuals convert codeine into its active metabolite, morphine, more rapidly and completely than other people. This rapid conversion results in higher than expected serum morphine levels. Even at labeled dosage regimens, individuals who are ultra-rapid metabolizers may experience overdose symptoms such as extreme sleepiness, confusion, or shallow breathing.

Pregnant Women: Animal reproduction studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to codeine. Studies in humans have not been conducted. Codeine Phosphate Injection USP crosses the placental barrier and is contraindicated in pregnant women (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in withdrawal signs in the neonate. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)).

Pregnant women using opioids should not discontinue their medication abruptly as this can cause pregnancy complication such as miscarriage or still-birth. Tapering should be slow and under medical supervision to avoid serious adverse events to the fetus.

Labour, Delivery and Nursing Women: Since opioids can cross the placental barrier and are excreted in breast milk, Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is not recommended to be used in nursing women and during labour and delivery unless, in the judgement of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Life-threatening respiratory depression can occur in the infant if opioids are administered to the mother. Naloxone, a drug that counters the effects of opioids, should be readily available if Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is used in this population.

Codeine is excreted in small amounts which are probably insignificant with usual analgesic doses. In women with normal codeine metabolism (normal CYP2D6 activity), the amount of codeine secreted into human milk is low and dose-dependent. Despite the common use of codeine products to manage postpartum pain, reports of adverse events in breastfed infants are rare. However, some women are ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine (see WARNINGS, Ultra-Rapid Metabolizers of Codeine). These women achieve higher than-expected serum levels of codeine’s active metabolite, morphine, leading to higher-than expected levels of morphine in breast milk and potentially dangerously high serum morphine levels in their breastfed infants. Mothers using codeine should be informed about when to seek immediate medical care and how to identify the signs and symptoms of neonatal toxicity, such as drowsiness or sedation, difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties and decreased tone in their baby. Therefore, maternal use of codeine can potentially lead to serious adverse reactions, including death, in nursing infants.

The prevalence of this CYP2D6*2x2 phenotype varies widely and has been estimated at 0.5 to 1% in Chinese, Japanese and Hispanics, 1 to 10% in Caucasians, 3% in African Americans, and 16 to 28% in North Africans, Ethiopians, and Arabs. Data are not available for other ethnic groups.

The risk of infant exposure to codeine and morphine through breast milk should be weighed against the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and baby. Caution should be exercised when codeine is administered to a nursing woman. If a codeine containing product is selected, the lowest dose should be prescribed for the shortest period of time to achieve the desired clinical effect. Prescribers should closely monitor mother-infant pairs and notify treating pediatricians about the use of codeine during breastfeeding.

Respiratory depression may occur in the infant if opioids are administered during labour.

Pediatrics (< 12years of age): In children the respiratory centre is especially susceptible to the depressant action of opioids. The safety and efficacy of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP have not been studied in the pediatric population. Regardless of clinical setting, the use of codeine is contraindicated in patients below the age of 12 years due to increased safety concerns (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Pediatrics (12 – 17 years of age): In children the respiratory centre is especially susceptible to the depressant action of opioids. Benefit to risk ratio should be carefully considered especially in children with respiratory embarrassment, e.g. croup. Estimation of dosage relative to the child’s age and weight is of great importance (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, especially for the patients with respiratory depression and constipation, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, longer dosing intervals and titrate slowly, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased elimination, metabolism, hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Occupational Hazards

Warn patients against driving or operating machinery if they become drowsy or show impaired mental and/or physical abilities while taking codeine.

Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment

Codeine should be given with caution and the initial dose should be reduced in certain patients such as the debilitated and those with severe impairment of hepatic or renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse Drug Reaction Overview

Adverse effects of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP are similar to those of other opioid analgesics, and represent an extension of pharmacological effects of the drug class. The major hazards of opioids include respiratory and central nervous system depression and to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest.

Most Commonly Requiring Medical Attention

Sedation, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and sweating. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain. In such individuals, lower doses are advisable. Some adverse reactions may be alleviated if the patient lies down.

Sedation: Sedation is a common side effect of opioid analgesics, especially in opioid naïve individuals. Sedation may also occur partly because patients often recuperate from prolonged fatigue after the relief of persistent pain. Most patients develop tolerance to the sedative effects of opioids within three to five days and, if the sedation is not severe, will not require any treatment except reassurance. If excessive sedation persists beyond a few days, the dose of the opioid should be reduced and alternate causes investigated. Some of these are: concurrent CNS depressant medication, hepatic or renal dysfunction, brain metastases, hypercalcemia and respiratory failure. If it is necessary to reduce the dose, it can be carefully increased again after three or four days if it is obvious that the pain is not being well controlled. Dizziness and unsteadiness may be caused by postural hypotension, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients, and may be alleviated if the patient lies down.

Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is a common side effect on initiation of therapy with opioid analgesics and is thought to occur by activation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone, stimulation of the vestibular apparatus and through delayed gastric emptying. The prevalence of nausea declines following continued treatment with opioid analgesics. When instituting therapy with an opioid for chronic pain, the routine prescription of an antiemetic should be considered. In the cancer patient, investigation of nausea should include such causes as constipation, bowel obstruction, uremia, hypercalcemia, hepatomegaly, tumor invasion of celiac plexus and concurrent use of drugs with emetogenic properties. Persistent nausea which does not respond to dosage reduction may be caused by opioid-induced gastric stasis and may be accompanied by other symptoms including anorexia, early satiety, vomiting and abdominal fullness. These symptoms respond to chronic treatment with gastrointestinal prokinetic agents.

Constipation: Practically all patients become constipated while taking opioids on a persistent basis. In some patients, particularly the elderly or bedridden, fecal impaction may result. It is essential to caution the patients in this regard and to institute an appropriate regimen of bowel management at the start of prolonged opioid therapy. Stimulant laxatives, stool softeners, and other appropriate measures should be used as required. As fecal impaction may present as overflow diarrhea, the presence of constipation should be excluded in patients on opioid therapy prior to initiating treatment for diarrhea.

Cardiovascular

Supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations, faintness, syncope, postural hypotension and hypertension, and phlebitis following intravenous injection.

CNS

Drowsiness, sedation, euphoria, dysphoria, weakness, headache, agitation, seizures, uncoordinated muscle movements, alterations of mood, dreams, hallucinations and disorientation, visual disturbances, insomnia, miosis, toxic psychoses.

Gastrointestinal

Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, biliary tract spasm, laryngospasm, anorexia, diarrhea, cramps, dyspepsia, taste alterations.

Genitourinary

Urinary retention or hesitance, antidiuretic effect, reduced libido and/or potency.

Hypersensitivity

Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, edema, diaphoresis, wheal and flare over the vein with intravenous injection. Because of close structural similarities, patients exhibiting systemic allergy to morphine (e.g., generalized rash, shortness of breath) should not receive codeine, diamorphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone or oxymorphone.

Withdrawal Syndrome

Physical dependence with or without psychological dependence tends to occur with chronic administration. An abstinence syndrome may be precipitated when an opioid analgesic is abruptly discontinued or opioid antagonists are administered. The following withdrawal symptoms may be observed after abrupt discontinuation of an opioid analgesic: body aches, diarrhea, goosebumps, loss of appetite, nervousness or restlessness, runny nose, sneezing, tremors or shivering, stomach cramps, nausea, sleep disturbances, unusual increase in sweating and yawning, weakness, tachycardia and unexplained fever. With appropriate medical use and gradual withdrawal from opioid analgesics, these symptoms are usually mild.

Other

Abnormal liver function test results (propoxyphene flushing/warmth).

Post-Marketing Experience

Androgen deficiency: Chronic use of opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date. Patients presenting with symptoms of androgen deficiency should undergo laboratory evaluation.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Interaction with Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (e.g. other opioids, sedatives/hypnotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, phenothiazines, neuroleptics, antihistamines, antiemetics, and alcohol) and beta-blockers, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neurologic, Interactions with Central Nervous System Depressants (including benzodiazepines and alcohol) and Psychomotor Impairment). Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be consumed with alcohol as it may increase the chance of experiencing dangerous side effects.

Anticholinergics

Concomitant use of drugs with antimuscarinic activity may increase the risk of severe constipation and/or urinary retention.

Cimetidine

Concurrent administration of cimetidine may lead to increased effect or toxicity of opioid analgesics.

MAO Inhibitors

Serious adverse reactions have been reported in patients who receive MAO inhibitors with pethidine. Other opioid analgesics should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in patients taking MAO inhibitors (including selegiline) or within 14 days of such therapy.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Opioid analgesics may enhance the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents resulting in increased respiratory depression.

Opioid Antagonists

Naltrexone and agonist-antagonist opioid analgesics (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol) should not be administered to a patient who has received or is receiving a course of therapy with a pure opioid agonist analgesic. In these patients, mixed agonist-antagonists may reduce the analgesic effect or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Other Opioids

The use of more than one opioid agonist at a time is usually inappropriate; additive CNS depressant, respiratory depressant and hypotensive effects may occur if 2 or more agonists are used concurrently. Potentiation of effects may occur with a previously administered long-acting opioid analgesic.

Warfarin

Opioid agonists may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of coumarin anticoagulants.

Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions

Opioid analgesics may interfere with certain diagnostic procedures, by increasing plasma amylase and lipase concentrations and by increasing CSF pressure. Gastric emptying is delayed by these drugs so gastric emptying studies will not be valid.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Coadministration of codeine with a serotonergic agent, such as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor or a Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitor, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).

Drug-Lifestyle Interactions

The concomitant use of alcohol should be avoided (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, General).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should only be used in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective or not tolerated (e.g., non-opioid analgesics).

For acute pain, it is recommended that Codeine Phosphate Injection USP be used for a maximum of 7 days at the lowest dose that provides adequate pain relief.

All doses of opioids carry an inherent risk of fatal or non-fatal adverse events. This risk is increased with higher doses. If Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is used for more than 7 days for the management of chronic non-cancer, non-palliative pain, it is recommended that 180 mg (90 morphine milligram equivalent) daily of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP not be exceeded. Each patient should be assessed for their risk prior to prescribing Codeine Phosphate Injection USP, as the likelihood of experiencing serious adverse events can depend upon the type of opioid, duration of treatment, level of pain as well as the patient’s own level of tolerance. In addition, the level of pain should be assessed routinely to confirm the most appropriate dose and the need for further use of Codeine Phosphate Injection USP (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Adjustment or Reduction of Dosage).

Dosing Considerations

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP (should be used with caution within 12 hours pre-operatively and within the first 12-24 hours post-operatively (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Peri-operative Considerations).

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is not indicated for rectal administration

Rapid intravenous injection of opioid analgesics increases the possibility of hypotension and respiratory depression.

Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP may be administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be used in children less than 12 years old.

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time. Dosing should be as needed every 4 to 6 hours and not on scheduled intervals.

Adults: 30 to 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours.

Children (12 years and older): 0.5 to 1 mg/kg every 4 to 6 hours.

Doses should be adjusted in renal failure, for creatinine clearance of 10 to 50 mL/min, decrease the dose by 25% and titrate. If creatinine clearance is less than 10 mL/min, decrease the dose by 50% and titrate.

For the equivalences of commonly used opioid analgesics, please refer to Table 1.

Opioid Rotation: Conversion ratios for opioids are subject to variations in kinetics governed by genetics and other factors. When switching from one opioid to another, consider reducing the calculated dose by 25-50% to minimize the risk of overdose. Subsequently, up-titrate the dose, as required, to reach the appropriate maintenance dose.

Table 1: OPIOID ANALGESICS: APPROXIMATE ANALGESIC EQUIVALENCES¹

Footnotes:

¹References:

Expert Advisory Committee on the Management of Severe Chronic Pain in Cancer Patients, Health and Welfare Canada. Cancer pain: A monograph on the management of cancer pain. Ministry of Supplies and Services Canada, 1987. Cat. No. H42-2/5-1984E.

Foley KM. The treatment of cancer pain. N Engl J Med 1985;313(2):84-95.

Aronoff GM, Evans WO. Pharmacological management of chronic pain: A review. In: Aronoff GM, editor. Evaluation and treatment of chronic pain. 2nd ed. Baltimore (MD): Williams and Wilkins; 1992. p. 359-68.

Cherny NI, Portenoy RK. Practical issues in the management of cancer pain. In: Wall PD, Melzack R, editors. Textbook of pain. 3rd ed. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1994. p. 1437-67.

² Most of the data were derived from single-dose, acute pain studies and should be considered an approximation for selection of doses when treating chronic pain. As analgesic conversion factors are approximate and patient response may vary, dosing should be individualized according to relief of pain and side effects. Because of incomplete cross-tolerance, dose reductions of 25% to 50% of the equianalgesic dose may be appropriate in some patients when converting from one opioid to another, particularly at high doses.^† Upward titration may be required to reach appropriate maintenance doses.

^†Levy MH. Pharmacologic treatment of cancer pain. N Engl J Med 1996;335:1124-1132.

³ For acute pain, the oral or rectal dose of morphine is six times the injectable dose. However, for chronic dosing, clinical experience indicates that this ratio is 2-3:1 (i.e., 20-30 mg of oral or rectal morphine is equivalent to 10 mg of parenteral morphine).

⁴ Based on single entity oral oxycodone in acute pain.

⁵ Extremely variable equianalgesic dose. Patients should undergo individualized titration starting at an equivalent to 1/10 of the morphine dose.

⁶ Not recommended for the management of chronic pain.

⁷ Mixed agonist-antagonists can precipitate withdrawal in patients on pure opioid agonists.

Geriatrics:

Respiratory depression has occurred in the elderly following administration of large initial doses of opioids to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that can depress respiration. Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should be initiated at a low dose and slowly titrated to effect (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS).

Use with Non-Opioid Medications:

If a non-opioid analgesic is being provided, it may be continued. If the non-opioid is discontinued, consideration should be given to increasing the opioid dose to compensate for the non-opioid analgesic. Codeine Phosphate Injection USP can be safely used concomitantly with usual doses of other non-opioid analgesics.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Codeine should be given with caution and the initial dose should be reduced in patients with severe impairment of hepatic function.

Patients with Renal Impairment: Codeine should be given with caution and the initial dose should be reduced in patients with severe impairment of renal function.

Dose Titration:

Dose titration is the key to success with opioid analgesic therapy. Proper optimization of doses scaled to the relief of the individual's pain should aim at administration of the lowest dose which will achieve the overall treatment goal of satisfactory pain relief with acceptable side effects.

Dosage adjustments should be based on the patient’s clinical response.

Adjustment or Reduction of Dosage:

Physical dependence with or without psychological dependence tends to occur with chronic administration of opioids, including Codeine Phosphate Injection USP. Withdrawal (abstinence) symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation of therapy. These symptoms may include body aches, diarrhea, goosebumps, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness or restlessness, runny nose, sneezing, tremors or shivering, stomach cramps, tachycardia, trouble with sleeping, unusual increase in sweating, palpitations, unexplained fever, weakness and yawning.

Patients on prolonged therapy should be withdrawn gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. In patients who are appropriately treated with opioid analgesics and who undergo gradual withdrawal for the drug, these symptoms are usually mild (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). Tapering should be individualised and carried out under medical supervision.

Patient should be informed that reducing and/or discontinuing opioids decreases their tolerance to these drugs. If treatment needs to be re-initiated, the patient must start at the lowest dose and titrate up to avoid overdose.

Disposal

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should be kept in a safe place, out of the sight and reach of children before, during and after use. Codeine Phosphate Injection USP should not be used in front of children, since they may copy these actions.

OVERDOSAGE

Symptoms: May result in euphoria, dysphoria, visual disturbances, hypotension and coma or death from respiratory depression.

Treatment: Symptomatic and supportive therapy. Maintain ventilation and administer oxygen as needed. The opioid antagonist naloxone should be administered. If the patient is conscious and has not lost the gag reflex, empty the stomach by inducing emesis with ipecac syrup. If the patient is extremely drowsy, unconscious, convulsing or has no gag reflex, perform gastric lavage. Follow with activated charcoal (50 to 100 g in adults) and a cathartic.

ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism of Action

Codeine exerts its effect on opiate receptors, primarily in the CNS and smooth muscle. Its effects include: analgesia, respiratory depression, suppression of the cough reflex, decreased gastrointestinal motility, CNS changes and stimulation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone which causes nausea and vomiting.

Pharmacodynamics

Central Nervous System:

Codeine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centres. The respiratory depression involves both a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem centres to increases in CO₂ tension and to electrical stimulation.

Codeine depresses the cough reflex by direct effect on the cough centre in the medulla. Antitussive effects may occur with doses lower than those usually required for analgesia.

Codeine causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origin may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in the setting of codeine overdose.

Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle:

Codeine causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.

Cardiovascular System:

Codeine may produce release of histamine with or without associated peripheral vasodilation. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilatation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, hyperhidrosis and/or orthostatic hypotension.

Endocrine System:

Opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or -gonadal axes. Some changes that can be seen include an increase in serum prolactin, and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical signs and symptoms may be manifest from these hormonal changes.

Immune System:

In vitro and animal studies indicate that opioids have a variety of effects on immune functions, depending on the context in which they are used. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

Codeine is well absorbed from parenteral sites. Onset of analgesic action occurs in 10 to 30 minutes after parenteral administration. Peak effect is reached in 30 to 60 minutes after an intramuscular or subcutaneous dose. Analgesia lasts 4 to 6 hours.

Codeine is approximately 7% bound to plasma protein; its volume of distribution is 2.5 to 3.5 L/kg. It is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its metabolites, some active, are eliminated in the urine. Only a small fraction (0.01) is excreted unchanged.

Special Populations and Conditions

Pediatrics: Individuals under 12 years of age should not take Codeine Phosphate Injection USP. Regardless of clinical setting, the use of codeine is contraindicated in patients below the age of 12 years due to increased safety concerns (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Pediatrics (< 12years of age)).

STORAGE AND STABILITY

Store between 15 and 25°C. Protect from light.

Do not use the injection if it is more than slightly discoloured or if it contains a precipitate.

SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

Not applicable.

DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP is a colourless, sterile, aqueous solution

Composition:

Each mL contains 30 mg or 60 mg of codeine, sodium metabisulfite 0.1% as preservative, phosphoric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and water for injection.

Packaging:

Codeine Phosphate Injection USP (30 mg/mL and 60 mg/mL) is supplied in 1 mL ampoules.

PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Drug Substance

Proper name:

Codeine Phosphate

Chemical name:

7,8-Didehydro-4,5alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6alpha-ol phosphate (1:1)

Molecular formula and molecular mass:

Molecular formula: C₁₈H₂₄NO₇P

Molecular mass: 406.4 g/mol

Structural formula:

Physicochemical Properties:

Fine, white, needle-shaped crystals, or white, crystalline powder. Is odorless. Is affected by light. Its solutions are acid to litmus. Very soluble in hot water; freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol but more so in boiling alcohol.