Warnings: Limit the use of codeine in treating colds and coughs in children

The Committee for Risk Assessment in Pharmacovigilance of the European Medicines Agency has recommended limiting the use of medicines containing codeine in treating colds and coughs in children due to the risk of serious adverse effects associated with these drugs, including breathing problems, the BiH Medicines Agency announced.

The use of codeine should be contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, meaning the drug should not be used in this group of patients. The use of codeine for cough and cold is not recommended in children and adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years who have breathing problems.

- All liquid forms of medicines containing codeine should be available in child-resistant containers to prevent accidental ingestion of the drug. The effects of codeine are a consequence of its conversion to morphine in the body. In some people, codeine is converted to morphine in the body faster than normal, leading to high levels of morphine in their blood. High levels of morphine can lead to serious adverse effects, such as breathing difficulties – the warning states.

Although the adverse effects of morphine can occur in all age groups, the way codeine is converted to morphine in children under 12 years of age is variable and unpredictable, which is why this population is at particular risk of adverse effects.

Additionally, children who have breathing problems may be more susceptible to the respiratory adverse effects of codeine.