| Misuse of over-the-counter codeine-containing analgesics: dependence and other adverse effects. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20657632 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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AIM: To review cases of codeine dependency from over-the-counter (OTC) combination analgesics admitted to a hospital detoxification unit. METHOD: Case records of all admissions following an index case were reviewed over a 2-year period. RESULTS: There were 7 cases reporting chronic excess of Nurofen Plus, of which 6 had prior or current histories of alcohol dependency. Complications which were likely contributed by excessive ibuprofen consumption included: gastric ulcer (4 patients), gastrointestinal bleeding (3), hepatotoxicity (1), and inflammatory bowel conditions (2). CONCLUSIONS: This pattern of admissions is new to the detoxification unit, and may relate to higher codeine content in the combination product, and marketing strategies. These cases likely represent the severer end of the spectrum of codeine dependency acquired from OTC pharmacy sources. The paucity of evidence to support additional benefit from the inclusion of codeine in analgesic combination products is concerning. There is a need for increased pharmacovigilance around these and other OTC medications. |
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Authors:
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Geoffrey M Robinson; Sophie Robinson; Patrick McCarthy; Christina Cameron |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Letter Date: 2010-06-25 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The New Zealand medical journal Volume: 123 ISSN: 1175-8716 ISO Abbreviation: N. Z. Med. J. Publication Date: 2010 Jun |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-07-26 Completed Date: 2010-09-21 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0401067 Medline TA: N Z Med J Country: New Zealand |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 59-64 Citation Subset: IM |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Analgesics / poisoning* Codeine / poisoning* Drug Combinations Female Humans Intensive Care Units Male Middle Aged Narcotics / poisoning* Nonprescription Drugs / poisoning* Retrospective Studies Sorption Detoxification / methods Substance-Related Disorders / etiology*, therapy |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Analgesics; 0/Drug Combinations; 0/Narcotics; 0/Nonprescription Drugs; 76-57-3/Codeine |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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