Dispersible Co-Codaprin Tablets Bp 8/400mg
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Dispersible co-codaprin tablets BP 8/400mg
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each tablet contains 8mg Codeine Phosphate and 400mg Aspirin.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Tablet.
White circular, flat bevelled-edge uncoated tablets impressed “C” and the identifying letters “AV” on either side of a central division line on one face.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
1) For the relief of headaches, toothache, migraine, neuralgia, sore throat and period pains.
2) For the symptomatic relief of influenza, feverishness, rheumatic pains, sciatica, lumbago, fibrositis, muscular aches and pains.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults over 18 years:
1 to 2 tablets. This dose may be taken, up to 4 times a day at intervals of not less than 4 hours.
Paediatic population aged 16 years to 18 years:
The recommended dose for children 16 years and older is 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Do not give to children aged under 16 years, unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki's disease).
Co-codaprin is not recommended for use in children in this age group with compromised respiratory function for the systematic treatment of cold (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population aged less than 12 years
Codeine should not be used in children below the age of 12 years because of the risk of opioid toxicity due to the variable and unpredictable metabolism of codeine to morphine (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
Co-codaprin is contraindicated in children below the age of 12 years for the symptomatic treatment of cold see section 4.3).
Elderly: The normal adult dose is still appropriate in the elderly.
Do not take for more than 3 days continuously without medical review.
Method of Administration
To be dispersed in water for oral use.
4.3 Contraindications
Co-codaprin should not be taken by patients with the following conditions:
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Other ingredients in the product, other opioids, other salicylates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (a patient may have developed anaphylaxis, angioedema, asthma, rhinitis or urticaria induced by aspirin or other NSAIDs).
• Nasal polyps associated with asthma (high risk of severe sensitivity reactions).
• Active peptic ulceration or a past history of peptic ulceration or dyspepsia.
• Haemophilia or other haemorrhagic disorder (including thrombocytopenia) as there is an increased risk of bleeding.
• Concurrent anticoagulant therapy should be avoided.
• Diarrhoea caused by poisoning until the toxic material has been eliminated, or diarrhoea associated with pseudomembraneous colitis
• respiratory depression
• obstructive airways disease
• third trimester of pregnancy
• In children below the age of 12 years for the symptomatic treatment of cold due to an increased risk of developing serious and life-threatening adverse reactions.
• children under 16 years old, unless specifically indicated (e.g. Kawasaki’s disease).
• In all paediatric patients (0-18 years of age) who undergo tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome due to an increased risk of developing serious and life-threatening adverse reactions (see section 4.4)
• In women during breastfeeding (see section 4.6)
• In patients for whom it is known they are CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolisers
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome when given to children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease, which affects the brain and liver, and can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years unless specifically indicated (e.g. for Kawasaki’s disease).
Co-codaprin should be used with caution in patients with:
• allergic disease
• anaemia (may be exacerbated by GI blood loss)
• asthma (increased risk of bronchospastic sensitivity reactions)
• cardiac failure (conditions which predispose to fluid retention)
• dehydration
• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (aspirin rarely causes haemolytic anaemia)
• gout (serum urate may be increased)
• hepatic function impairment (avoid if severe)
• renal function impairment
• surgery. Aspirin should be discontinued several days before scheduled surgery (including dental extractions)
• systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue disorders (hepatic and renal function may be impaired in these conditions)
• thyrotoxicosis (may be exacerbated by large doses of salicylates)
• hypothyroidism (risk of depression and prolonged CNS depression is increased)
• inflammatory bowel disease - risk of toxic megacolon
• Opioids should not be administered during an asthma attack
• convulsions - may be induced or exacerbated
• drug abuse, dependence (including alcoholism), enhanced instability, suicidal ideation or attempts - predisposed to drug abuse
• head injuries or conditions where intracranial pressure is raised
• gall bladder disease or gall stones - opioids may cause biliary contraction
• gastro-intestinal surgery - use with caution after recent GI surgery as opioids may alter GI motility
• prostatic hypertrophy or recent urinary tract surgery
• adrenocortical insufficiency, eg Addison’s Disease
• hypotension and shock
• myasthenia gravis
• phaeochromocytoma - opioids may stimulate catecholamine release by inducing the release of endogenous histamine
CYP2D6 metabolism4
Codeine is metabolised by the liver enzyme CYP2D6 into morphine, its active metabolite. If a patient has a deficiency or is completely lacking this enzyme an adequate analgesic effect will not be obtained. Estimates indicate that up to 7% of the Caucasian population may have this deficiency. However, if the patient is an extensive or ultra-rapid metaboliser there is an increased risk of developing side effects of opioid toxicity even at commonly prescribed doses. These patients convert codeine into morphine rapidly resulting in higher than expected serum morphine levels.
General symptoms of opioid toxicity include confusion, somnolence, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation and lack of appetite. In severe cases this may include symptoms of circulatory and respiratory depression, which may be life-threatening and very rarely fatal. Estimates of prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolisers in different populations are summarized below:
|
Population |
Prevalence % |
|
African/Ethiopian |
29% |
|
African American |
3.4% to 6.5% |
|
Asian |
1.2% to 2% |
|
Caucasian |
3.6% to 6.5% |
|
Greek |
6.0% |
|
Hungarian |
1.9% |
|
Northern European |
1%-2% |
Post-operative use in children
There have been reports in the published literature that codeine given postoperatively in children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea, led to rare, but life-threatening adverse events including death (see also section 4.3). All children received doses of codeine that were within the appropriate dose range; however there was evidence that these children were either ultra-rapid or extensive metabolisers in their ability to metabolise codeine to morphine.
Children with compromised respiratory function
Codeine is not recommended for use in children in whom respiratory function might be compromised including neuromuscular disorders, severe cardiac or respiratory conditions, upper respiratory or lung infections, multiple trauma or extensive surgical procedures. These factors may worsen symptoms of morphine toxicity.
Medicine Overuse Headache:
Overuse of analgesics to treat headaches may result in the development or aggravation of headache symptoms. Headache caused by overuse of analgesics (MOH - medication-overuse headache) should not be treated by increasing the
dose. In such cases the use of analgesics should be discontinued gradually in consultation with a doctor.
The risk-benefit of continued use should be assessed regularly by the prescriber.
The leaflet will state in a prominent position in the ‘before taking’ section:
• Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber.
• Taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets.
• Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
The label will state (To be displayed prominently on the outer pack - not boxed):
• Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber as taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction.
4.5 Interactions with other Medicaments and other forms of Interaction
The following drug interactions should be considered when prescribing co-codaprin:
• Alcohol - may enhance gastro-intestinal side effect of aspirin.
• Analgesics - avoid concomitant administration of other salicylates or other NSAIDs (including topical formulations) as increased risk of side effects.
• Alkalizers of urine (eg carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, antacids, citrates) - increased excretion of aspirin.
• Anticoagulants or platelet aggregation inhibitors - increased risk of bleeding.
• Antiepileptic drugs (eg phenytoin, sodium valproate) - increased effect.
• Corticosteroids - increased risk of gastro-intestinal bleeding or ulceration.
• Dipyridamole - increase in peak concentration.
• Diuretics - frusemide and acetazolamide (risk of toxic effects), spironolactone (antagonized diuretic action).
• Hypoglycaemics - enhanced activity.
• Methotrexate - increased toxicity.
• Metoclopramide and domperidone - increased rate of absorption of aspirin.
• Mifepristone - avoid aspirin until 8-12 days after mifepristone.
• Ototoxic medicine (eg vancomycin) - potential for ototoxicity increased. Hearing loss may occur and may progress to deafness even after discontinuation of the medication. Effects may be reversible but are usually permanent.
• Uricosurics (eg probenecid, sulphinpyrazone) - effects of uricosurics reduced.
• Laboratory investigations - aspirin may interfere with some laboratory tests such as urine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid determinations and copper sulphate urine sugar tests.
• CNS depressants - enhanced sedative and/or hypotensive effect with alcohol, anaesthetics, hypnotics, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, hydroxyzine, tricyclic antidepressants
• Antibacterials, eg ciprofloxacin, - avoid premedication with opioids as reduced plasma ciprofloxacin concentration
• MAOIs - use only with extreme caution
• Cyclizine
• Mexiletine - delayed absorption
• Metoclopramide and domperidone - antagonise GI effects
• Cisapride - possible antagonism of GI effects
• Dopaminergics (eg selegiline) - possible risk of hyperpyrexia and CNS toxicity. This risk is greater with pethidine but with other opioids the risk is uncertain
• Ulcer healing drugs - cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of opioid analgesics.
• Anticholinergics (eg atropine) - risk of severe constipation which may lead to paralytic illness, and /or urinary retention
• Antidiarrhoeal drugs (eg loperamide, kaolin) - increased risk of severe constipation
• Antihypertensive drugs (eg guanethidine, diuretics) - enhanced hypotensive effect
• Opioid antagonists (eg buprenorphine, naltrexone, naloxone)
• Neuromuscular blocking agents - additive respiratory depressant effects
• SSRIs - additive gastrointestinal irritation. Increased risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1).
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Inhibition of prostaglandin sysnthesis may adversely affect the pregnancy and/or the embryo/fetal development. Data from epidemiology studies suggest an increased risk of miscarriage and of cardiac malformation after use of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor in early pregnancy. The absolute risk for cardiovascular malformation was increased from less than 1%, up to approximately 1.5%.
Studies in animals have shown that salicylates can cause birth defects including fissure of the spine and skull, facial clefts and malformations of the CNS, viscera and skeleton, pre and post implantation loss and embryo-fetal lethality. During the first and second trimester aspirin should not be given unless necessary.
Studies in animals have shown codeine to cause delayed ossification in mice and increased resorption in rats. Risk benefit must be considered because opioid analgesics cross the placenta.
Regular use during pregnancy may cause physical dependence in the fetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate. During labour opioids enter the fetal circulation and may cause respiratory depression in the neonate.
Regular or high dose use of salicylates late in pregnancy may result in:
- constriction or premature closing of the fetal ductus arteriosus
- increased risk of still birth or neonatal death
- decreased birth weight
- prolonged labour
- complicated deliveries and increased risk of maternal or fetal haemorrhage
- possibly persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn
- kernicterus in jaundiced neonates
- renal dysfunction, which may progress to renal failure with oligo-hydramniosis
Administration is contraindicated in the last trimester of pregnancy and should be avoided during the late stages of labour and during the delivery of a premature infant.
Breast-feeding
Aspirin and codeine are distributed into breast milk.
Co-codaprin is contraindicated in women during breastfeeding (see section 4.3).. At normal therapeutic doses codeine and its active metabolites may be present in breast milk at very low doses and is unlikely to adversely affect the breast fed infant.
However, if the patient is an ultra-rapid metaboliser of CYP2D6, higher levels of the active metabolites, morphine, may be present in breast milk and on very rare occasions may result in symptoms of opioid toxicity in the infant, which may be fatal.
If symptoms of opioid toxicity develop in either the mother or the infant, then all codeine containing medicines should be stopped and alternative non-opioid analgesics prescribed. In severe cases consideration should be given to prescribing naloxone to reverse these effects.
The risk of infant exposure to aspirin and codeine through breast milk should be weighed against the benefits for both mother and baby.
Fertility
Aspirin should not be given to women wishing to become pregnant, since it is thought that prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors can reduce fertility. The effect on fertility is reversible.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Opioid analgesics can impair mental function and can cause blurred vision and dizziness. Patients should make sure they are not affected before driving or operating machinery.
This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive
• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you
• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine
• However, you would not be committing an offence (called a 'statutory defence') if:
- The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
- You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and
- It was not affecting your ability to drive safely
4.8 Undesirable effects
Adverse effects of aspirin treatment which have been reported include:
• Allergic reaction - aspirin may precipitate bronchospasm and induce asthma attacks or other hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals. Allergic reactions can include rhinitis, urticaria, angioneurotic oedema.
• Effects on GI system - gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration which can occasionally be major (may develop bloody or black tarry stools, severe stomach pain and vomiting blood), gastrointestinal irritation (mild stomach pain, heartburn and nausea) and hepatitis (particularly in patients with SLE or connective tissue disease)
• Effects on blood - anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, hypoprothrombinaemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, pancytopenia
• Effects on sensory system - tinnitus
• Salicylism - mild chronic salicylate intoxication may occur after repeated administration of large doses, symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache and mental confusion, and may be controlled by reducing the dose
Adverse effects of opioid treatment which have been reported include:
• Allergic reactions (may be caused by histamine release) - including rash, urticaria, difficulty breathing, increased sweating, redness or flushed face
• effects on CNS - confusion, drowsiness, vertigo, dizziness, changes in mood, hallucinations, CNS excitation (restlessness/excitement), convulsions, mental depression, headache, trouble sleeping, or nightmares, raised intracranial pressure, tolerance or dependence
• effects on GI system - constipation, GI irritation, biliary spasm, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, paralytic ileius or toxic megacolon
• effects on CVS - bradycardia, palpitations, hypotension
• effects on sensory system -blurred or double vision
• effects on GU system - ureteral spasm, antidiuretic effect
• other effects - trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness, malaise, miosis, hypothermia
• effects of withdrawal - abrupt withdrawal precipitates a withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms may include tremor, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, sweating and increase in heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. NOTE - tolerance diminishes rapidly after withdrawal so a previously tolerated dose may prove fatal.
• Regular prolonged use of codeine is known to lead to addiction and tolerance. Symptoms of restlessness and irritability may result when treatment is then stopped.
• Prolonged use of a painkiller for headaches can make them worse.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
Salicylates:
Symptoms of overdose depend upon plasma salicylate concentration.
Concentration greater than 300mgl-1 - tinnitus and vertigo Concentration approx 400mgl-1 - hyperventilation Concentration above 600mgl-1 - metabolic acidosis
Concentration range 700-900mgl-1 - coma, fever, hypothrombinaemia, cardiovascular collapse, renal failure.
Treatment - Aspirin may remain in the stomach for many hours after ingestion and should be removed by gastric lavage.
Plasma salicylate, pH and electrolytes should be measured. Fluid losses replaced and forced alkaline diuresis (eg with sodium bicarbonate) should be considered when the plasma salicylate concentration is greater than 500mgl-1 (3.6 mmol l-1) in adults or 300mgl-1 (2.2 mmol l-1 ) in children. In very severe cases of poisoning haemodialysis may be needed.
Opioids:
Symptoms: cold clammy skin, confusion, convulsions, severe drowsiness, tiredness, low blood pressure, pinpoint pupils of eyes, slow heart beat and respiratory rate coma.
Treatment: Treat respiratory depression or other life-threatening adverse effects first. Empty the stomach via gastric lavage or induction of emesis.
The opioid antagonist naloxone (0.4-2mg subcutaneous) can be given and repeated at 2-3 minute intervals to a maximum of 10mg. Naloxone may also be given by intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion. The patient should be monitored as the duration of opioid analgesic may exceed that of the antagonist.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other analgesics and antipyretics
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic.
Codeine is a centrally acting weak analgesic and is used in the treatment of cough and diarrhoea. Codeine exerts its effect through p opioid receptors, although codeine has low affinity for these receptors, and its analgesic effect is due to its conversion to morphine. Codeine, particularly in combination with other analgesics such as paracetamol, has been shown to be effective in acute nociceptive pain.
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. In one study, when a single dose of ibuprofen 400 mg was taken within 8 h before or within 30 min after immediate release acetylsalicylic acid dosing (81 mg), a decreased effect of ASA on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption of non-ionised aspirin occurs in the stomach. Hydrolysis to salicylic acid occurs rapidly in the intestine and in the circulation. Aspirin is bound to plasma proteins and is rapidly distributed to all body tissues. It appears in breast milk and crosses the placenta. The rate of excretion of aspirin depends upon urinary pH, increasing as pH rises and being greatest at pH 7.5 and above. It is excreted as salicylic acid and as glucuronide conjugates and as salicyluric and gentisic acids.
Codeine and its salts are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion of codeine phosphate produces peak plasma concentrations in about one hour. Codeine and its metabolites are excreted almost entirely by the kidney, mainly as conjugates with glucuronic acid. The plasma half-life is reported to be 3-4 hours after administration by mouth.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
There are no pre-clinical data additional to that already included in other sections of the SmPC.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Calcium carbonate Cetrimide
Maize starch Saccharin sodium Silica
Citic acid (E330)
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf life
3 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25oC Keep the bottle tighlt closed.
Keep the bottle in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
PE tablet container with a child-resistant PP closure. A silica gel container is included in each pack. Compliant with ISO8317.
Pack sizes:
POM: 100
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Not applicable.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Name or style and permanent address of registered place of business of the holder of the Marketing Authorisation:
Actavis UK Limited (Trading style: Actavis)
Whiddon Valley BARNSTAPLE N Devon EX32 8NS
MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
8
PL 00142/0077R.
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE
AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 10th August 1981 Date of last Renewal: 01st April 2009
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
20/09/2016