Pholcodine
Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive (cough suppressant) that works primarily by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain. Note: Pholcodine has been withdrawn from the market in several countries (including the UK, EU, and Australia) due to a safety concern linking its use with an increased risk of severe anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (muscle relaxants) used during general anesthesia.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adults and children over 12 years: 5 mg to 10 mg (usually 5 mL to 10 mL of a 1 mg/mL solution) every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 40 mg daily. Contraindicated in children under 6 years of age. Consult a healthcare provider or check local regulatory availability before use due to widespread product recalls.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects. |
| 8-10 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects. |
| 11-15 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects. |
| 16-20 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Pholcodine must not be given to infants or children under 6 years of age due to high risk of respiratory depression and serious side effects. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used for the temporary relief of dry, non-productive coughs.
Generic Name
PholcodineBranded Drug Names
Pholcodine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.