Pholcodine

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Pholcodine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
7,8-didehydro-4,5α-epoxy-17-methyl-3-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethoxy]morphinan-6α-ol
Identifiers
CAS number	509-67-1
ATC code	R05DA08
PubChem	?
DrugBank	?
Chemical data
Formula	C23H30N2O4
Mol. weight	398.55
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Protein binding	?
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	3
Excretion	Urine
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	Class B(UK) Over the counter (in UK too)
Dependence Liability	Low
Routes	Oral

Pholcodine is a modified opiate cough suppressant (antitussive) that acts primarily on the central nervous system (CNS) causing depression of the cough reflex, partly by a direct effect on the cough centre in the medulla. It also has a mild sedative effect, yet has little or no analgesic action.

It is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and freely crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is metabolised in the liver and its action may be prolonged in hepatic insufficiency.

Pholcodine is found in cough lozenges. It helps suppress unproductive coughs and acts an antifungal agent.

Side effects are rare and may include dizziness and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea or vomiting. Adverse effects such as constipation, drowsiness, excitation, ataxia and respiratory depression have been reported occasionally or after large doses.

[edit] External links

• Australian Therapuetic Goods Admission document on Pholcodine (Rich Text Format).