Risk of Pholcodine

July 11, 2023

The drug regulatory authority of India is issuing a warning regarding the cautious use of cough and cold remedies containing Pholcodine.

Allergic Reactions and Global Alert

The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned regulators worldwide about the potential dangers of Pholcodine use. The primary concern highlighted by the WHO is the possibility of life-threatening allergic reactions in individuals using these medications. This alert emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring and addressing the associated risks.

Withdrawals from Markets

Several countries have already taken regulatory actions regarding Pholcodine-containing preparations. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has withdrawn both prescription and over-the-counter medications containing Pholcodine from their markets. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also taken steps to remove these preparations from circulation. Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) is another regulatory body that has withdrawn Pholcodine-containing preparations.

Function and Usage of Pholcodine

Pholcodine serves as an opioid cough suppressant commonly found in cough medications. It works by mildly sedating patients and effectively suppressing dry coughs. The function of Pholcodine is to provide relief from persistent coughing symptoms.

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