Codeine overdose

Home treatment:

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Call Poison Control for guidance

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Use gastric lavage.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Give a counteracting drug (narcotic antagonist)--multiple doses if needed.
• Administer intravenous fluids as needed.
• Monitor breathing.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

In an acute overdose, recovery is likely within 24 hours if antidote can be given.