PHARMAGESIC

Codeine is a centrally acting weak analgesic. Codeine exerts its effect through μ opioid receptors, although codeine has low affinity for these receptors, and its analgesic effect is due to its conversion to morphine. Codeine, particularly in combination with other analgesics such as paracetamol, has been shown to be effective in acute nociceptive pain. The anti-tussive activity of codeine is probably due to its depressant effect on the medullary cough centre in the brain.

Meprobamate is a carbamate with hypnotic, sedative and some muscle relaxant properties. It is used for the short-term treatment of anxiety states, muscle tension and associated conditions where anxiety is present. In therapeutic doses its sedative effect rather than a direct action may be responsible for muscle relaxation.

Paracetamol is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It does appear to selectively inhibit COX activities in the brain, which may contribute to its ability to treat fever and pain.

Caffeine is structurally related to the methylxanthines theophylline and theobromine. Caffeine’s main action is as a CNS stimulant.