Pholcodine belongs to a group of medications called opioid agonists. It is a cough suppressant used to provide symptomatic relief of dry coughs (no phlegm) caused by the common cold and bronchial irritation. It reduces your feeling of needing to cough by decreasing activity in certain parts of the brain that causes coughing.
Pholcodine is available in single ingredient products, but is also available in many combination cough and cold products.
Pholcodine is taken by mouth and can be used in adults and children older than 6 years old.
The usual dose or children aged 6-11 years is 2-5 mg 3 to 4 times daily. For adults and children aged 12-17 years the usual dose is 5-10 mg 3 to 4 times daily.
Children under the age of 6 are not recommended to take any cough and cold preparations. If needed, non-drug treatment should be used first, such as steam inhalation or honey.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Pholcodine with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Pholcodine may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Pholcodine is a pharmacy only medicine which can be purchased without a prescription by speaking with a pharmacist in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Pholcodine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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