AFRO-NETS> RFI: Codeine Cough Mixture Abuse (5)

[Beverley Snell <bev@burnet.edu.au>]

RFI: Codeine Cough Mixture Abuse (5)
------------------------------------

In Australia there are regulations that determine the amount of co-
deine allowed in over the counter (OTC) preparations for pain. For 
higher doses a prescription is needed. Codeine is no longer available 
in OTC cough preparations. Other products (dextromethorphan or phol-
codine) are used. They don't have the same habit forming side effects 
although constipation can still be a side-effect. Codeine linctus can 
be available on prescription only in special circumstances. The issue 
of cough mixtures anyway is very controversial and many health pro-
grams do not include them. The RFI about codeine in cough mixtures 
has been cross posted to e-drug where there should be more responses. 

Best wishes,
Beverley

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Beverley Snell
International Health Unit
Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research & Public Health
P O Box 254 Fairfield Vic, Australia 3078
Tel: +61-3-9282-2115 / 9282-2275
Fax: +61-3-9482-3123
mailto:bev@burnet.edu.au

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