WARNING

Ambenyl is a brand name for codeine, an opioid medication used to treat mild to moderate pain and sometimes to relieve coughing. While it can be effective, there are several risks and considerations associated with its use:

• Addiction and Dependence: Codeine is an opioid, which means it has a potential for addiction, abuse, and physical dependence. Regular use can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is suddenly stopped.
• Respiratory Depression: One of the most serious risks of codeine is its potential to slow down breathing. This can be dangerous, especially if taken in higher doses or combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
• Drowsiness and Impairment: Codeine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
• Constipation: Opioids like codeine often cause constipation, which can become severe if not managed properly with diet, hydration, and possibly laxatives.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These are common side effects of codeine, especially when you first start taking the medication or when the dose is increased.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to codeine, which can include rash, itching, swelling, or severe reactions like anaphylaxis (though this is rare).
• Interaction with Other Medications: Codeine can interact with other drugs, including other opioids, alcohol, and medications that affect liver enzymes. These interactions can enhance side effects or reduce the effectiveness of codeine.
• Serious Side Effects: In rare cases, codeine can cause more severe side effects like seizures, severe allergic reactions, or severe respiratory issues.
• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider of any history of substance abuse, liver or kidney problems, or respiratory issues. Codeine may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions.
• Dosage: Always follow the prescribed dosage and avoid taking more than directed. Misuse of codeine can lead to overdose, which is potentially life-threatening.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Codeine should generally be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider, as it can affect the fetus or infant.
• Children: Codeine is not recommended for children under 12 due to risks of severe breathing problems and other complications. For children aged 12 to 18, it should be used with caution.

It’s important to use codeine only as prescribed and to discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider. If you experience any severe or concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ambenyl, which contains codeine as its active ingredient, is prescribed primarily for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties. Codeine is an opioid medication that can help manage mild to moderate pain and can also reduce coughing. It’s often used in combination with other medications for more effective symptom control. However, because it is an opioid, it’s important to use it exactly as prescribed to minimize the risk of addiction and other side effects.

How should this medicine be used?

Ambenyl (codeine) should be used according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Here are general guidelines:

• Dosage: Follow the prescribed dosage exactly. Do not take more or less than directed, and don’t use it for longer than prescribed.
• Administration: Codeine is often available in tablet or liquid form. If you’re using tablets, swallow them whole with water. For liquid forms, use a proper measuring device to ensure you take the correct amount.
• Timing: Take it at the prescribed intervals. It’s usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or cough.
• With Food: It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce potential stomach upset.
• Avoid Alcohol and Other Sedatives: Combining codeine with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can be dangerous and increase the risk of serious side effects.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused medication properly, following local guidelines or pharmacy recommendations.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have specific questions or concerns about your medication.

Other uses for this medicine

Other Uses for Ambenyl (Codeine):

• Cough Relief: Codeine is often used in cough syrups to help suppress severe, dry coughs that don’t respond to other treatments.
• Combination Medications: It may be included in combination with other medications, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, for enhanced pain relief.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions to Follow:

• Addiction and Abuse: Codeine is an opioid and has the potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse. Use it only as prescribed and for the specific duration prescribed.
• Allergic Reactions: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to codeine or other opioids.
• Medical History: Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, respiratory issues (like asthma or COPD), liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and other prescription medications. Inform your doctor of all the substances you are currently taking.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Codeine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Breathing Issues: If you experience slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, or severe drowsiness, seek medical help immediately. These could be signs of an overdose.
• Tolerance and Dependence: Long-term use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Regularly review your need for the medication with your healthcare provider.
• Withdrawal: If you need to stop taking codeine, do so under the guidance of your healthcare provider to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

Always follow the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about using Ambenyl.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions for Ambenyl. However, taking codeine with food might help reduce stomach upset. Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, as they can interact with codeine and increase the risk of side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take as Soon as Possible: If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip if Close to Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Follow Regular Schedule: Resume your regular dosing schedule.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ambenyl (codeine) can cause a range of side effects, some of which might be serious. Here are common and severe side effects to be aware of:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: Feeling sleepy or lethargic.
• Dizziness: Light-headedness or unsteadiness.
• Constipation: Difficulty with bowel movements.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production.

Severe Side Effects:

• Respiratory Depression: Slow or shallow breathing, which can be dangerous.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Severe Drowsiness: Extreme fatigue or difficulty staying awake.
• Confusion: Difficulty thinking clearly or concentration problems.
• Severe Constipation: Persistent constipation that might require medical attention.
• Depression: Changes in mood or feelings of sadness.

Overdose Symptoms:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Slow or difficult breathing
• Cold and clammy skin
• Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness

If you experience any severe side effects or signs of an overdose, seek immediate medical help. Regularly review your medication with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s working effectively and safely for you.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Ambenyl (Codeine):

Storage:

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed.
• Store out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal:

• Use local drug take-back programs or pharmacy disposal services to safely dispose of unused or expired medication.
• If no take-back options are available, follow FDA guidelines or local regulations for safe disposal. Some medications have specific disposal instructions in the patient information leaflet.

In case of emergency/overdose

Symptoms of Overdose:

• Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Pinpoint pupils

What to Do:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
• Naloxone: If available and you are trained to use it, administer naloxone (Narcan) as it can reverse opioid overdoses temporarily. Continue to seek emergency medical help even if naloxone is used.

What other information should I know?

• Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Inform your healthcare provider of all substances you are taking.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as codeine can affect the unborn baby or nursing infant.
• Long-Term Use: For long-term use, regularly review the necessity of the medication with your healthcare provider to minimize risks of dependence and other side effects.
• Regular Check-ups: Regularly visit your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness and safety of the medication, and to address any side effects or concerns.
• Identification: Keep a list of all your medications and inform your healthcare providers of all the drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal products.

If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.