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A Comprehensive Guide to Codeine Medications Remedeine Forte Vs. Codeine

A Comprehensive Guide to Codeine Medications – Remedeine Forte Vs. Codeine

If you’re looking for relief from pain, inflammation, or a headache, you might have seen remedies like Remedeine Forte or Codeine advertised. But what’s the difference between these two drugs? Does one work better than the other? Here’s a quick rundown of the critical differences between Remedeine Forte and Codeine.

Differences Between Generic and Branded Medications 

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about generic medications. Many assume they are inferior to brand-name drugs, but this is not always the case. Many generic drugs are just as effective as their branded counterparts. This is undoubtedly true of Remedeine Forte, a generic version of the popular pain medication codeine. 

Codeine is an opioid analgesic, which means it works by binding to the body’s opioid receptors to relieve pain. It is typically used to treat moderate to severe pain, though it can also be used to treat coughing and diarrhea. Remedeine Forte is just as effective as codeine in relieving pain, but it is significantly cheaper. This makes it an attractive option for those who do not have health insurance or whose insurance does not cover codeine. Generic drugs like Remedeine Forte are an important part of ensuring that everyone has access to affordable medication. The main difference between the two drugs is that Remedeine Forte is available over the counter in some countries, while codeine requires a prescription. 

The other difference between these two types of products seems to come down mostly on preference; some prefer certain brands because even though one contains an identical set amount, another (active) ingredient can sometimes differ, and we find one suits our body better than another does. It depends on each person and their preferences.

Are They Equally Effective? 

While both Remedeine Forte and Codeine are effective at relieving pain, they differ in how the body metabolizes them. Approximately 10% of people lack an enzyme called CYP2D6, which is responsible for metabolizing codeine into its active form, Morseidine. This means that these individuals don’t get any pain relief from taking codeine. On the other hand, everyone has enough CYP2D6 to metabolize Remedeine Forte into its active form, so most everyone experiences pain relief when taking this drug. Remedeine Forte also contains a more significant amount of the opiate painkiller – dihydrocodeine (30mg), whereas unbranded versions usually only have 10mg of dihydrocodeine. 

Opioids are a great way to manage chronic pain, but they come with the risk of dependency and addiction. Opioids provide relief for many people who suffer from chronic pains; however, concerns have been raised about their usage because doctors often prescribe them long-term, creating issues when someone develops feelings toward being dependent on these drugs. If you feel your body needs more than what’s prescribed, contact a medical professional immediately because this can quickly lead to dangerous consequences.

Can You Mix Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol?

The interactions between medications can be confusing, especially when it comes to painkillers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid pain reliever that works by blocking signals from being sent to the brain through binding to opioid receptors. Paracetamol, on the other hand, is a non-opioid pain reliever. It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins (substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation). 

Dihydrocodeine belongs to the same class of drugs as codeine and has similar effects. Dihydrocodeine is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available as oral tablets or capsules. Dihydrocodeine can be combined with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen for additional pain relief. 

When you take these two drugs together, you get the benefits of both an opioid and a non-opioid pain reliever. The opioids in dihydrocodeine will help block pain signals from reaching the brain, while the paracetamol will help reduce inflammation and swelling. This combination is often more effective at managing pain than taking just one of these drugs alone. Always consult a doctor when mixing drugs, and ensure you are listening to your body.

Codeine therapy and CYP2D6 genotype - NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK100662/ 

Derry, S., Karlin, S. M., & Moore, R. A. (2015, February 5). Single dose oral ibuprofen plus codeine for acute postoperative pain in adults. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6540848/

 

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Dr. Hintze completed his Pharm.D. at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy in Pocatello, Idaho in 2019. He pursued a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a PGY2 in Critical Care Pharmacy at University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Hintze’s teaching and research interests include medication therapy following traumatic brain injury, neurocritical care, pharmacotherapy for critically-ill patients, and pharmacy student/ resident development. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy with a clinical practice site in the emergency department at St. Joseph Health in Bryan, TX.