The effect of codeine phosphate on the absorption of ethyl alcohol

The effect of syrup, B.P. and codeine phosphate syrup, B.P.C. on blood alcohol levels was determined in six normal subjects. 2 Treatment with syrup alone had little or no influence on the concentration of ethanol in blood. 3 In contrast, pretreatment with codeine phosphate syrup significantly reduced alcohol absorption, as assessed by the maximum blood levels achieved or the area subtended by the blood concentration-time curve. It is suggested that the diminished absorption of ethanol is related to the pharmacological action of codeine on the stomach. 4 It was considered that the concentration of ethanol in linctuses or syrups containing codeine was unlikely to have any significant effect on the central nervous system.