Codeine: A medication series update
What you'll learn
- The drug class and mechanism of action for codeine
- The indications, contraindications and interactions of codeine
- Recommended dosages for different indications
- Precautions and potential adverse effects
Course Overview:
The use of codeine carries numerous risks including dependence, tolerance, toxicity, and in some cases, mortality. Research has shown that low-dose codeine-containing combined medications generally have no more analgesic effect than non-codeine medications. Nonetheless there are evidence based indications for the prescribing of low-dose codeine-containing combined medications and codeine alone.
This course discusses codeine, its mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects and precautions that should be taken.
Target Audience
Nurses and midwives
Business Case
This course compliments continuing professional development for any nurse involved in prescribing or administration of medications.
This course is directly related to the Australian National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards as part of Standard Four: Medication safety.
