Algidol: Composition, Presentation, Indications, Action Mechanism, Side Effects and Interactions

It is a drug that contains the active ingredients of ascorbic acid, codeine phosphate, and paracetamol. Belongs to the group of so-called analgesics and antipyretics.

Algol is recommended for the treatment of pain with mild to moderate intensity and the treatment of febrile conditions.

Composition

  • Ascorbic acids, codeine phosphate, and paracetamol.

Presentation

  • Granulate for oral solution.

Indications

  • To administer the product, you must dissolve the envelope’s contents in half a glass with water.
  • Algol should not be taken for more than three days.
  • If symptoms last for more than three days, treatment should be discontinued.
  • The dosage of Algidol should be adjusted to individual needs.

But usually, the following doses are recommended:

In adults

  • It is recommended to take one every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding six envelopes every 24 hours.

Pediatric population

  • It must be adjusted to the severity and response of the patient.

In adolescents 15 years of age or older

  • Ingest one every 4 to 6 hours, when considered necessary, without exceeding six sachets every 24 hours.
  • Algol should not be administered in children under 12 years of age or adolescents with less than 43 kg body weight.

In geriatric patients

  • The recommended dose is 1 in every 8 hours.

In patients with liver diseases

  • You should not consume more than two grams of paracetamol in a day, with a minimum of 8 hours between each intake.

Mechanism of action

Algol prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and blocks the generation of painful impulses at the peripheral level.

This drug operates in the hypothalamus, which is the regulator of temperature.

Codeine is a mild analgesic and exerts its action through the opioid receptors of the brain, so the analgesic result occurs due to its conversion to morphine.

Ascorbic acid cooperates in collagen formation and the reconstruction of tissues.

 

Reversibly, it is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid; both are forms of vitamin C and are very important in the metabolic processes of oxide-reduction.

Side effects

Algol with single doses of paracetamol greater than 6 g / day can occasionally cause side effects such as:

  • Constipation, nausea, allergic skin reactions, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, contracted pupils, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
  • It can also produce hematological alterations such as neutropenialeukopenia, and hepatotoxicity.
  • The high doses of ascorbic acid favor the formation of kidney stones (hyperoxaluria).

Warnings and contraindications

Algol should not be administered in the following cases:

  • If you have allergies to the active ingredients or any of the components of this drug.
  • After surgery, pain relief in children and adolescents under 18 years of age removes the tonsils or adenoids due to obstructive sleep apnea.
  • If the patient is aware that he metabolizes codeine into morphine quickly.
  • If you are breastfeeding.
  • In case of suffering from the following diseases: Anemia, heart disease, lung diseases, kidney diseases, hypothyroidism.
  • In the case of advanced age or weakness, in case of having suffered cranial trauma, or regrowth of the prostate. It would help if you avoided prolonged treatments in these cases.
  • In case of suffering from asthma or if you suffer from specific sensitivity or allergies to acetylsalicylic acid.
  • Long-term treatments should be avoided when suffering from liver diseases.
  • The maximum dose is 2 grams per day, an envelope of Algidol every 8 hours.
  • Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed. In the case of alcoholic patients should take more than 2 grams per day of paracetamol, which is equivalent to a dose of three sachets of Algidol daily.
  • If you have an injury or trauma to the head, in the case of high intracranial pressure, or if you suffer from respiratory failure or breathing difficulties.
  • In case of kidney stones or gout disease, excess iron in the blood, or diabetes.
  • Algol should not be used in adolescents with less than 43 kg of body weight, nor children under 12 years of age.
  • It should not be used in children with respiratory problems.

Interactions

Algol can cause interactions. Some diagnostic tests may alter the results due to the treatment with Algol.

Among these diagnostic tests are:

  • Renal profile, uric acid.
  • Glicemia, blood glucose.
  • Urine tests, glucose in urine.
  • Stool, hidden blood.
  • Determinations of paracetamol in urine.

Regarding the use of Algidol with other medications, it is known that paracetamol can interact with the following medicines:

  • Oral anticoagulants such as acenocoumarol and warfarin.
  • Anticholinergics relieve spasms or contractions of the stomach, intestine, and bladder.
  • Oral contraceptives and estrogen treatments.
  • Antiepileptics include phenytoin, hydantoins, phenobarbital, methylphenirabarbital, primidone, and carbamazepine.
  • Antivirals for the treatment of AIDS.
  • Beta-blockers for the treatment of hypertension and tachycardia.
  • Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol.
  • Loop diuretics, such as furosemide .
  • Antituberculous drugs such as isoniazid and rifampin.
  • Antiemetics such as metoclopramide and domperidone .
  • The medications used in treating gouts such as probenecid and sulfinpyrazone.
  • The ion exchange resins to lower cholesterol levels in the blood like cholestyramine.

Codeine can interact with the following drugs:

  • Narcotic analgesics treat pain, such as nalbuphine, buprenorphine, and pentazocine.
  • Anxiolytics, antidepressants, sedating antihistamines, and medications used to treat high blood pressure and migraines, such as clonidine, neuroleptic hypnotics, sedatives, and thalidomide.
  • Analgesics barbiturates, morphine, benzodiazepines.

Ascorbic acid interacts with the following drugs:

  • Oral anticoagulants
  • Antacids with aluminum in their composition.
  • Contraceptives such as ethinylestradiol.
  • Antivirals with indinavir (AIDS).
  • Food supplements with vitamin B12 and B17.
  • Any medication that contains vitamin C.
  • Chelating preparations are used to reduce the amounts of iron and aluminum in the body, such as deferoxamine.