What Is Prodeine Forte Used For?

Prodeine Forte is a strong pain relief medication that combines two active ingredients to help manage severe pain when other treatments haven’t worked effectively.

Primary Uses

Prodeine Forte is used to relieve severe pain for which other treatment options have failed, are contraindicated, not tolerated, or are otherwise inappropriate to provide sufficient management of pain.

How It Works

Paracetamol and codeine work together to stop the pain messages from getting through to the brain, providing effective pain relief.

How to Take Prodeine Forte

Take Prodeine Forte exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with water and follow the dosing schedule carefully.

Dosage Instructions

Adults: Take 1 or 2 tablets for severe pain. This dose may be repeated every 4-6 hours if necessary. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take more than the recommended dose as this may cause liver damage.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.

Available Tablet Strengths

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:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure

Important Warnings

Prodeine Forte carries serious risks including addiction, dependence, and life-threatening breathing problems. It’s crucial to understand these warnings before starting treatment.

Who Should Not Take Prodeine Forte

Do not use if you: are allergic to paracetamol or codeine; have acute breathing difficulties such as bronchitis, unstable asthma or emphysema; have Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; are a CYP 2D6 ultra-rapid metaboliser; have diarrhea caused by antibiotics or poisoning; have liver failure; have a history of drug or alcohol dependence; have experienced systemic allergy to morphine or oxycodone; are under 18 years and have had tonsils or adenoids removed for sleep apnea; are in third trimester of pregnancy; are in labor (especially if baby is premature); are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: lung, heart, liver or kidney problems; pancreas problems; low blood pressure; breathing difficulties, asthma, or chronic breathing conditions; sleep problems such as sleep apnea; history of drug or alcohol dependence; drink large quantities of alcohol; liver problems; kidney problems; Gilbert’s syndrome; gall bladder problems; multiple sclerosis; recent surgery; bowel problems; prostate problems; thyroid or adrenal gland problems; seizures; head injury; brain tumors.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Prodeine Forte during the third trimester of pregnancy or during labor, especially if the baby is premature. This medicine can cause breathing problems and withdrawal effects in newborn babies. Do not take if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed as the medicine passes into breast milk and may affect the baby.

Drug Interactions

Many medications can interact with Prodeine Forte and cause dangerous effects. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

• Medicines causing sleepiness or drowsiness
• Tranquillizers (anxiety and nerve medicines)
• Benzodiazepines (sedatives or anxiety treatments)
• Gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin)
• Medicines for alcohol/opioid dependence (naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone)
• Medicines containing alcohol
• Cough suppressants or antitussives
• Antihistamines (allergy medicines)
• Antidepressants
• Medicines for mental illness
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Salicylates or NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Blood thinning medicines
• Epilepsy medicines
• Other pain relief medications
• High blood pressure medicines
• Muscle relaxants
• Medicines for diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Propantheline
• Cholestyramine
• Chloramphenicol
• Flucloxacillin, zidovudine or rifampicin

Alcohol & Driving

Prodeine Forte can significantly impair your ability to drive safely and interact dangerously with alcohol. Take these precautions seriously.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking Prodeine Forte. Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of becoming drowsy and can lead to dangerous breathing problems, coma, and death.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Prodeine Forte affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness and vision problems, especially after the first dose. Children should not ride bikes if affected and should be supervised to avoid potential harm.

Storage

Store Prodeine Forte below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep it where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills.

Overdose Information

If you or someone else takes too much Prodeine Forte, immediately call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Overdose symptoms include slow, unusual or difficult breathing; drowsiness, dizziness or unconsciousness; slow or weak heartbeat; nausea or vomiting; convulsions or fits; and mental impairment. Keep the person awake by talking to them or gently shaking them. You can also contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Take this leaflet and remaining medicine with you.

Frequently Asked Questions