Which adverse effect is most likely with a 10-day course of co-codamol following a back injury?

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Multiple Choice

Which adverse effect is most likely with a 10-day course of co-codamol following a back injury?

Explanation:
When a tablet combination contains an opioid like codeine, the most typical adverse effect is opioid-induced constipation. Codeine acts on μ-opioid receptors in the gut, slowing intestinal motility and increasing water absorption. This effect is dose-related and tends to persist with regular use, making constipation the most likely issue after a 10-day course. Nausea can occur with opioids, especially early on, and dizziness or lightheadedness can happen due to CNS effects, but these are less consistently observed than constipation in patients taking codeine-containing analgesics. Dry mouth is possible but not as characteristic as the GI slowing. So, the constipation result best reflects the predictable, common outcome from codeine’s action on the gut during a course of this length. If it occurs, management includes stool-softening measures and adequate hydration, with monitoring for any concerning symptoms.

When a tablet combination contains an opioid like codeine, the most typical adverse effect is opioid-induced constipation. Codeine acts on μ-opioid receptors in the gut, slowing intestinal motility and increasing water absorption. This effect is dose-related and tends to persist with regular use, making constipation the most likely issue after a 10-day course.

Nausea can occur with opioids, especially early on, and dizziness or lightheadedness can happen due to CNS effects, but these are less consistently observed than constipation in patients taking codeine-containing analgesics. Dry mouth is possible but not as characteristic as the GI slowing.

So, the constipation result best reflects the predictable, common outcome from codeine’s action on the gut during a course of this length. If it occurs, management includes stool-softening measures and adequate hydration, with monitoring for any concerning symptoms.

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