Codeine acts centrally in the cough center of the brain to decrease cough with 7 percent being protein bound and distributed well throughout the body and CNS. It crosses the placenta and is distributed into breast milk. Codeine is metabolized by the CYP2D6 oxidative enzyme system in the liver and excreted in the urine (Woo & Wynn, 2012). It’s metabolism by this CYP2D6 system necessitates caution when prescribing it with any other medication that also uses this system (Woo & Wynn, 2012). Codeine is a pregnancy category C medication. Codeine is a scheduled drug and special care should be taken when prescribing to anyone with a history of substance abuse because of the risk of dependence. Codeine slows gastric motility so it should be used …show more content…
435, 2012). The action/pharmacodynamics of pseudoephedrine is that it produces vasoconstriction via stimulation of alpha receptors inside the mucosa of the respirator tract, which then decreases swelling in the mucous membranes temporarily (Woo & Wynne, p. 430, 2012). It can also increase heart rate and cardiac output as well as constrict the GI and urinary sphincters (Woo & Wynne, p. 432, 2012). The use of pseudoephedrine is for nasal …show more content…
430, 2012). Loratidine can cause serious interactions with macrolide antibiotics and oral azol antifungals (Woo & Wynne, p. 430, 2012). If this occurs, careful written instructions should be given to avoid any serious interactions. Alcohol and antihistamines can produce serious CNS depression and is not recommended as well as avoid driving and operating machinery when both are taken together. (Woo & Wynne, p. 430,