Codeine added to paracetamol induced adverse effects but did not increase analgesia.
1 In a double-blind crossover study identical oral surgical procedures were performed on two separate occasions in 24 outpatients. 2 At one operation they were given tablets containing paracetamol + codeine phosphate (400 mg + 30 mg), and at the other plain paracetamol (400 mg). The day of operation 2 tablets were taken 3, 6 and 9 h after surgery, the following two days 1 tablet four times daily. 3 Several measurements/assessments were recorded for a paired comparison of the postoperative courses. 4 No increase In the analgesic effect could be demonstrated by addition of codeine to paracetamol. 5 On the day of operation 18 patients reported adverse effects like nausea, dizziness and drowsiness with paracetamol + codeine, while only 3 patients experienced side effects with paracetamol alone (P less than 0.001). 6 Measurements revealed almost identical swelling after the two operations. 7 Compared with results obtained in previous studies, the present findings indicate that paracetamol may exert anti-inflammatory activity and reduce postoperative swelling, even when given 3 h after surgery. 8 On the day of operation and the following two days 20 patients preferred the treatment with plain paracetamol, while only 4 favoured paracetamol + codeine (P less than 0.001).
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001831:Body Temperature; D003061:Codeine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014081:Tooth Extraction
D004338:Drug Combinations; D000082:Acetaminophen; D003061:Codeine