It has been brought to the attention of The Bahamas Pharmacy Council by Council Inspectors, that over-the-counter (OTC) preparations of codeine phosphate are being misused by members of the general public.
Codeine Phosphate is a narcotic and is used in low doses in many OTC cough and cold preparations. When used correctly, these are very effective drugs. The Council Inspectors have reported that local pharmacists advise that "a great number of adults as well as school children are purchasing large quantities of the mentioned preparations for personal use, other than the prescribed use."
The council believes that the misuse of these products is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. As a result, in 2012 the Bahamas Pharmacy Council advised and recommended to all retailers and wholesalers that all products containing codeine be kept behind the prescription counter and given only on the recommendation of a pharmacist or by prescription.
In light of this complaint, and in the best interest of the Bahamian public, The Council has also requested that the Minister of Health consider restricting the sale of products containing codeine phosphate as follows:
- Any codeine product less than 10mg of codeine Phosphate:
To be issued and dispensed only on the recommendation of a licensed pharmacist or physician.
-Products containing 10mg of codeine Phosphate or more:
To be issued and dispensed by “Prescription Only”
The council also recommends that a record be kept in the pharmacy of the name of the purchaser with a photo ID, a signature, the quantity purchased and an address in an effort to control possible abuse.
Symptoms of an overdose of codeine may include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold and clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops. Codeine may also impair your thinking or reactions. While taking any codeine containing products, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how codeine will affect you.
For alerts and advisories from the Bahamas Pharmacy Council, please visit www.pharmacycouncil.net
The Bahamas Pharmacy Council
P.O. Box N-4460 Ph: 1 (242) 326-0566
Nassau, Bahamas Fax: 1 (242) 326-0537
It has been brought to the attention of The Bahamas Pharmacy Council by Council Inspectors, that over-the-counter (OTC) preparations of codeine phosphate are being misused by members of the general public.
Codeine Phosphate is a narcotic and is used in low doses in many OTC cough and cold preparations. When used correctly, these are very effective drugs. The Council Inspectors have reported that local pharmacists advise that "a great number of adults as well as school children are purchasing large quantities of the mentioned preparations for personal use, other than the prescribed use."
The council believes that the misuse of these products is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. As a result, in 2012 the Bahamas Pharmacy Council advised and recommended to all retailers and wholesalers that all products containing codeine be kept behind the prescription counter and given only on the recommendation of a pharmacist or by prescription.
In light of this complaint, and in the best interest of the Bahamian public, The Council has also requested that the Minister of Health consider restricting the sale of products containing codeine phosphate as follows:
- Any codeine product less than 10mg of codeine Phosphate:To be issued and dispensed only on the recommendation of a licensed pharmacist or physician.
-Products containing 10mg of codeine Phosphate or more:To be issued and dispensed by “Prescription Only”
The council also recommends that a record be kept in the pharmacy of the name of the purchaser with a photo ID, a signature, the quantity purchased and an address in an effort to control possible abuse.
Symptoms of an overdose of codeine may include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold and clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops. Codeine may also impair your thinking or reactions. While taking any codeine containing products, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how codeine will affect you.
For alerts and advisories from the Bahamas Pharmacy Council, please visit www.pharmacycouncil.net
The Bahamas Pharmacy Council
P.O. Box N-4460
Nassau, Bahamas
Ph: 1 (242) 326-0566
Fax: 1 (242) 326-0537
