Fiorinal-Codeine #3 (codeine phosphate/butalbital/aspirin/caffeine)

Dosage of codeine sulfate and codeine phosphate is expressed in terms of the salt.

Some clinicians suggest that when used as a mild CNS stimulant to overcome fatigue, oral doses of 100-200 mg of anhydrous caffeine are required. The manufacturers state that adults and children 12 years of age or older may receive a dosage of 100-200 mg no more frequently than every 3-4 hours.

For the treatment of apnea of prematurity, commercially available caffeine citrate injection in a loading dose of 20 mg/kg (10 mg/kg when expressed in terms of anhydrous caffeine) is administered by slow IV infusion (i.e., over 30 minutes) using a syringe infusion pump. Beginning 24 hours after the loading dose, maintenance doses of caffeine citrate of 5 mg/kg (2.5 mg/kg when expressed as anhydrous caffeine) may be administered every 24 hours, either orally or via slow IV infusion (i.e., over 10 minutes) using a syringe infusion pump. The manufacturer states that the safety and efficacy of dosing periods exceeding 10-12 days have not been established. Other dosing regimens+ for the treatment of apnea of prematurity have used caffeine doses (in terms of anhydrous caffeine) of 5-10 mg/kg, given IV, IM, or orally as a loading dose, and followed by 2.5-5 mg/kg, given IV, IM, or orally once daily. Maintenance dosage has been adjusted according to the patient's response and tolerance and plasma caffeine concentrations.

When caffeine citrate is used for the treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants with hepatic or renal impairment, serum concentrations of caffeine should be monitored and dosage adjusted to avoid toxicity.

Analeptic use of caffeine is strongly discouraged by most clinicians. However, the manufacturers of caffeine and sodium benzoate injection recommend IM, or in emergency respiratory failure, IV injection of 500 mg of the drug (about 250 mg of anhydrous caffeine) or a maximum single dose of 1 g (about 500 mg of anhydrous caffeine) for the treatment of respiratory depression associated with overdosage of CNS depressants, including opiate analgesics and alcohol, and with electric shock.

Some clinicians recommend that when caffeine and sodium benzoate injection is used in children for CNS stimulation+, an IM, IV, or subcutaneous dose of 8 mg/kg (about 4 mg of anhydrous caffeine per kg) (not to exceed 500 mg) or 250 mg/m2 (about 125 mg of anhydrous caffeine per m2) be given up to every 4 hours if necessary.

Dosage of aspirin must be carefully adjusted according to individual requirements and response, using the lowest possible effective dosage. When used at high (e.g., anti-inflammatory) dosages, the development of tinnitus can be used as a sign of elevated serum salicylate concentrations, except in patients with high-frequency hearing impairment.

When preparations containing aspirin in fixed combination with other drugs are used, the cautions, precautions, and contraindications applicable to each ingredient must be considered.

In general, the smallest effective dose should be used. Dosage must be individualized for each patient. Dosage should be reduced in geriatric or debilitated patients and in patients with impaired hepatic function. Because of their higher metabolic rate, children may tolerate comparatively larger doses than adults. Barbiturates should be withdrawn slowly to avoid the possibility of precipitating withdrawal symptoms.

In the treatment of insomnia, consideration should be given to intermittent rather than to daily administration; with daily administration, duration of therapy should be limited to 2 weeks. To prevent rebound in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, withdrawal of a single therapeutic dose over 5 or 6 days (e.g., decreasing dosage from 3 to 2 doses daily for 1 week) has been recommended when barbiturates are discontinued following prolonged use.

Codeine-containing preparations are administered orally.

Codeine sulfate is commercially available as a single-entity tablet preparation. Codeine phosphate is commercially available in the following fixed-combination preparations for oral use: codeine/acetaminophen, promethazine/codeine, promethazine/phenylephrine/codeine, butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine/codeine, and butalbital/aspirin/caffeine/codeine. See the full prescribing information for additional information on these combination preparations. Codeine also may be commercially available in over-the-counter (OTC) preparations in combination with antihistamines, expectorants, or decongestants. See the FDA Orange Book and the manufacturer's Drug Facts for additional information.

Codeine sulfate tablets should be stored at 20-25degreesC (excursions permitted between 15-30degreesC) in a secure location; protect from moisture.

Caffeine may be administered orally. Caffeine citrate is administered orally or by slow IV infusion using a syringe infusion pump. Caffeine and sodium benzoate injection may be administered by IM or slow IV injection; the drug has also been administered subcutaneously.

The preservative-free commercially available injection is for single use only, and any unused portion should be discarded. It is important that such oral solution be measured accurately (e.g., using a 1-mL or other appropriate syringe).

Aspirin is usually administered orally, preferably with food or a large quantity (240 mL) of water (unless the patient is fluid restricted) or milk to minimize gastric irritation. In patients unable to take or retain oral medication, aspirin suppositories may be administered rectally; however, rectal absorption may be slow and incomplete. (See Pharmacokinetics: Absorption.) Aspirin tablets should not be administered rectally, since they are likely to cause irritation and erosion of the rectal mucosa. Aspirin preparations should not be used if a strong vinegar-like odor is present. (See Chemistry and Stability: Stability.)

If an unpleasant taste or aftertaste, burning in the throat, or difficulty in swallowing occurs with uncoated aspirin-containing tablets, these effects may be reduced with film-coated tablets. Although specific data are not available, these effects are also likely to be reduced with enteric-coated tablets. If gastric irritation and/or symptomatic GI disturbances occur with uncoated aspirin-containing tablets, these effects may be reduced with enteric-coated tablets or extended-release tablets. If a liquid dosage form of aspirin is desired for short-term treatment of pain, an oral solution may be prepared from commercially available effervescent tablets (e.g., Alka-Seltzer(R)) by dissolving tablets in 120 mL of water; ingest the entire solution to ensure adequate dosing.

In addition to potentially reducing adverse GI effects, some clinicians suggest that enteric-coated tablets may be swallowed more easily by children receiving chronic therapy with the drug and may therefore result in increased compliance.

Aspirin or buffered aspirin preparations should not be chewed before swallowing for at least 7 days following tonsillectomy or oral surgery because of possible injury to oral tissues from prolonged contact with aspirin particles. In addition, aspirin or buffered aspirin tablets should not be placed directly on a tooth or gum surface because of possible injury to tissues.

Capsules containing the fixed combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed.

Chewable aspirin tablets may be chewed, crushed, and/or dissolved in a liquid, or swallowed whole, followed by approximately 120 mL of water, milk, or fruit juice immediately after administration of the drug.

For information on the concomitant administration of aspirin with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIAs), see Drug Interactions: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, in the Salicylates General Statement 28:08.04.24.

Although most of the barbiturates are administered orally, some barbiturates may be administered rectally, subcutaneously, IM, and/or IV.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Codeine is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2D6 to its active metabolite, morphine. Codeine is also metabolized by CYP3A4 to an inactive metabolite.

Concurrent administration of numerous drugs with barbiturates has been reported to affect either the patient's response to the barbiturates or to the other drugs. Most of the reported drug interactions relate to phenobarbital, but the possibility of similar interaction with other barbiturates should be considered.

In addition to the interactions listed, many other drugs have been reported to alter the response to barbiturates and/or have their responses altered by barbiturates; however, in most instances the clinical importance of these interactions has not been established. Since documentation for these interactions may be forthcoming and additional clinically important interactions may be established, caution should be observed when any drug is added to or deleted from any therapeutic regimen which contains a barbiturate, giving consideration to the possible need for dosage adjustment.

There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.

There are no severe interactions for this drug.

There are no moderate interactions for this drug.

*Children younger than 12 years of age.

*Postoperative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

*Significant respiratory depression.

*Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment.

*Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days.

*Known or suspected GI obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

*Hypersensitivity to codeine or any components of the formulation.

There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

There are no severe contraindications for this drug.

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

The most common adverse reactions reported with codeine sulfate tablets include drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.

There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and effectiveness of codeine have not been established in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients receiving codeine for the management of pain, especially those who are obese, have obstructive sleep apnea or severe lung disease, or have evidence of ultrarapid metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates, are at increased risk of respiratory depression. Serious adverse events, including deaths, have been reported during postmarketing experience in pediatric patients receiving codeine. Between January 1969 and May 2015, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) received 64 reports of respiratory depression, including 24 reports of death, worldwide that were associated with codeine use in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age. Ten of the 64 reports provided information about CYP2D6 metabolizer status. Seven of these patients were ultrarapid or extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 substrates; 5 of which reported death. Most of the cases of respiratory depression, including most of the deaths, occurred in children younger than 12 years of age. Respiratory depression may occur despite therapeutic serum concentrations of codeine or morphine; 1 patient who had concentrations within the therapeutic range died following use of codeine for management of pain after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Codeine-containing preparations are contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age and contraindicated for postoperative pain management following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age. Avoid the use of codeine in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of the drug unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Risk factors include conditions associated with hypoventilation, such as postoperative status, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, severe pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, and concomitant use of other medications that cause respiratory depression.

Available data with codeine are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal studies, embryolethal and fetotoxic effects were observed in animals administered codeine during the period of organogenesis.

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Codeine is not recommended for use in women during and immediately prior to labor, when use of shorter-acting analgesics or other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including codeine, can prolong labor through actions that temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilatation, which may shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excessive sedation and respiratory depression.

Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. In studies performed in adult animals, caffeine (as caffeine base) administered to pregnant mice as sustained-release pellets at 50 mg/kg (less than the maximum IV loading dose for neonates on a mg/m2 basis) during the period of organogenesis caused a low incidence of cleft palate and exencephaly in fetuses. Based on data from a large retrospective epidemiologic study and from a large retrospective case-control study in humans, it appears that use of caffeine during pregnancy has little, if any, effect on the outcome of pregnancy. Although caffeine use during pregnancy does not appear to be associated with substantial risk, most clinicians recommend that pregnant women avoid or limit their consumption of foods, beverages, and drugs containing caffeine, since caffeine crosses the placenta.

Barbiturates can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Retrospective, case-controlled studies have suggested an association between maternal ingestion of barbiturates and a higher than expected incidence of fetal abnormalities. If a barbiturate is administered during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving the drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Based on animal data, repeated or prolonged use of general anesthetics and sedation drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy may result in adverse neurodevelopmental effects in the fetus. The clinical relevance of these animal findings to humans is not known; the potential risk of adverse neurodevelopmental effects should be considered and discussed with pregnant women undergoing procedures requiring general anesthetics and sedation drugs. (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions.)

Barbiturates have caused postpartum hemorrhage and hemorrhagic disease in neonates. The drug-induced hemorrhagic disease of the neonate is similar to that resulting from vitamin K deficiency and is readily reversible with vitamin K therapy. Neonates born to women who receive barbiturates throughout the last trimester of pregnancy may show withdrawal symptoms. (See Chronic Toxicity: Manifestations.) Neonates whose mothers have received barbiturates during labor should be closely observed for signs of respiratory depression, and treatment for barbiturate overdosage should be instituted if necessary. (See Acute Toxicity: Treatment.) Premature neonates are particularly susceptible to the depressant effects of barbiturates, and the drugs should be administered with caution when delivery of a premature neonate is anticipated.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with codeine, especially in patients who have evidence of ultrarapid metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates. Serious adverse events (e.g., excessive sedation, difficulty nursing, respiratory depression), including death, have been reported in nursing infants exposed to codeine. At least one case of opioid toxicity resulting in neonatal death has been reported in the nursing infant of a woman receiving codeine; genetic testing of the woman indicated that she was an ultrarapid metabolizer of codeine. Higher than expected concentrations of morphine were found in breast milk and in the blood of the infant. Somnolence has been reported more frequently in nursing infants whose mothers received codeine in combination with acetaminophen compared with those whose mothers received acetaminophen alone; evidence of ultrarapid metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates was identified in some of these women. Concentrations of morphine in breast milk are low and dose-dependent in women who are normal metabolizers of codeine. FDA-approved tests (e.g., AmpliChip(R) CYP450 Test) are available to identify an individual's CYP2D6 genotype. Infants exposed to codeine through breast milk should be monitored closely for clinical manifestations of opioid toxicity (e.g., sedation, difficulty breastfeeding or breathing, hypotonia). Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic or breastfeeding is stopped.

Caffeine is distributed into the milk of nursing women. Milk-to-plasma ratios of 0.5-0.76 have been reported. The amount of caffeine ingested from usual quantities of caffeinated beverages is considered compatible with breast-feeding; however, caffeine may accumulate in nursing infants following moderate to heavy maternal consumption of caffeine, resulting in irritability and poor sleeping patterns.

Because barbiturates are distributed into the milk of nursing women, nursing should be discontinued if nursing infants of barbiturate-treated women exhibit signs of toxicity.

In general, select dosage with caution in geriatric patients, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Titrate dosage of codeine slowly in geriatric patients and frequently re-evaluate the patient for CNS and respiratory depression.

Geriatric patients may have increased sensitivity to codeine. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Respiratory depression is the main risk for geriatric patients treated with opioids and has occurred after large initial doses in patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other drugs that depress respiration. Titrate the dosage of codeine slowly in geriatric patients and frequently re-evaluate for signs of CNS and respiratory depression.

Codeine is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function; dosing should be selected with care and renal function should be regularly evaluated.