Pseudoephedrine and codeine – Warning and tighter controls put on two plant-derived medicines in the UK

Pseudoephedrine, first obtained from plants of the Ephedra genus, is widely used in various dosage forms as a decongestant. Codeine, first isolated from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), is most used as a cough suppressant in the form of a syrup. Both plants have been used as medicines since antiquity.

The British drug regulators (MHRA) have added a warning to the labels of pseudoephedrine products to warn that very rarely they may cause inflammation and blood supply disturbances in the brain leading to sudden severe headache, vomiting, confusion, seizures, or visual disturbances. Therefore, if affected, no further doses should be taken, and urgent medical help sought.

Codeine-containing mixtures have now been moved from over-the-counter sales so that they can only be obtained on prescription. The concern here is mainly the abuse potential of such medicines for recreational purposes.  Codeine is converted into morphine in the body. In some individuals, this conversion is very rapid and adverse effects have followed even in infants breastfed by mothers taking repeated doses of codeine. Abusers, of course, seek its adverse euphoric effects.

If you are travelling, it is worth looking at labels of medicines you purchase to see what they contain.

#Poppy #Opium #Morphine #Codeine #Alkaloids #MedicineTrees #MedicinalHerbs #MedicinalPlants #HerbalMedicine #PlantMedicine #HerbalTeas #FolkloreRemedies #TakingLeadFromNature #NaturalMedicines #AdverseDrugEffects #ADR #BreastFeeding #Pseudoephedrine #Mahuang #Decongestants #Antitussives #NaturalCoughMedicines #CoughMedicines #TravelMedicine

Photo Credit: ALWP CEBP