Gold Cross Codeine Linctus (Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name

codeine phosphate hemihydrate

Drug Class

cough suppressant (opioid)

Used For

relief of unproductive, dry coughs associated with colds and flu

How Taken

oral liquid, 5 mL every 4 hours

What Is Gold Cross Codeine Linctus Used For?

Gold Cross Codeine Linctus is a cough suppressant that contains codeine phosphate hemihydrate as its active ingredient.

Primary Uses

This medication is specifically used to relieve unproductive, dry coughs that are associated with colds and flu. It should only be used when your doctor decides that other treatment options cannot effectively manage your cough or you cannot tolerate them.

How It Works

Gold Cross Codeine Linctus works as a cough suppressant to help reduce the urge to cough when you have a dry, unproductive cough.

Limited Use: This medication should only be used when other treatment options are not effective or cannot be tolerated.

How to Take Gold Cross Codeine Linctus

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and timing are important for both effectiveness and safety.

Dosage Instructions

Adults: Take 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to. Ask your doctor if you are unsure how long to take this medicine.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Available Tablet Strengths

5 mg/mL

5 mg/mL Tablet Clear, almost colourless, Liquid • AUST R 27219

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

Constipation
Dry mouth
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Difficulty swallowing
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Restlessness or nervousness
Excitability
Headache
Sleep disturbances
Mild skin rashes
Itch
Impotence or erectile dysfunction
Amenorrhea
Infertility

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Confusion
Mood swings
Tremors or shivering
Increased sweating
Seizures
Problems breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea)
Skin rash, itching or hives
Flushing of the face
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
Swelling of the face or lips
Rapid heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Problems passing urine
Blurred or double vision

Important Warnings

Gold Cross Codeine Linctus carries serious risks including addiction, respiratory depression, and life-threatening breathing problems.

Who Should Not Take Gold Cross Codeine Linctus

Do not use if you: are allergic to codeine, morphine, oxycodone or any ingredients; have breathing difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema; are suffering from diarrhea caused by poisoning or antibiotics; are known to be an ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine; are taking MAOIs or within 10 days of stopping such treatment; have a serious head injury; have been drinking alcohol; are breastfeeding; are under 12 years old; are 12-18 years old and recently had adenoid or tonsil surgery for sleep apnea.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: breathing disorders including sleep-related, asthma or lung disease; lung, heart, liver or kidney problems; history of drug dependence including alcohol; Addison’s disease; underactive thyroid; are a heavy drinker; recent head injury or brain tumor; pancreatitis or gall bladder disease; recent biliary tract surgery; upcoming surgery under general anesthetic; are a CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizer.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take during the third trimester of pregnancy or during labor, especially if the baby is premature. This medicine can cause breathing problems and withdrawal symptoms in babies. Do not use if breastfeeding – the medicine passes into breast milk and may affect the baby.

Life-Threatening Risk: Can cause life-threatening or fatal breathing problems even when used as recommended. Risk is higher when first starting, after dose increases, in older patients, or those with existing lung problems.

Addiction Risk: Poses risks of abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. You can become addicted even when taking exactly as prescribed.

Drug Interactions

Gold Cross Codeine Linctus can interact with many medications, potentially causing dangerous side effects including severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma and death.

Dangerous Combinations: Using with other drowsiness-causing medicines or alcohol may result in severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma and death.

Central nervous system depressants (tranquilizers, sedatives, opioid pain killers, barbiturates)
Sleeping tablets (benzodiazepines)
Pain relievers
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin)
Cannabis
Quinidine (for irregular heartbeat)
Cimetidine (for reflux or stomach ulcers)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Medicines for nausea or vomiting

Alcohol & Driving

Gold Cross Codeine Linctus can impair your ability to drive safely and interact dangerously with alcohol.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while using Gold Cross Codeine Linctus. This includes medicines that contain alcohol. Alcohol may make some of the unwanted side effects worse and can lead to dangerous interactions.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Do not drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Gold Cross Codeine Linctus affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness and problems with vision in some people.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on windowsills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

If you or someone else takes too much and experiences symptoms like slow/unusual/difficult breathing, drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, slow/weak heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, or convulsions, immediately call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Keep the person awake by talking to them or gently shaking them. You can also phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department. Take this leaflet and remaining medicine with you when seeking medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medication information does not specify how quickly it works. Speak to your doctor about when you can expect to see improvement in your cough symptoms.

The medication information does not mention any specific food restrictions. However, you should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Yes, Gold Cross Codeine Linctus poses risks of abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. You can become addicted even if you take it exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will monitor you regularly during treatment.

If you stop suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, restlessness, agitation, trouble sleeping, body aches, weakness, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, breathing rate, watery eyes, runny nose, chills, yawning, and increased sweating.

No, you must not drink alcohol while using Gold Cross Codeine Linctus. This includes medicines that contain alcohol. Alcohol may make unwanted side effects worse and can cause dangerous interactions.

The risk of life-threatening breathing problems is higher in older patients or those with existing lung problems. Your doctor will monitor you and adjust the dose as appropriate.