Pholcodine
Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant used to relieve dry, tickly, non-productive coughs. It acts on the brain's cough centre to reduce the urge to cough, providing symptomatic relief for irritating coughs.
Pholcodine is an opioid-based cough suppressant used to treat dry, tickly coughs.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R05DA08
- RxNorm
- 33431
- Generic
- Pholcodine
- Class
- atc-r05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of dry, non-productive coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and other conditions causing irritating cough reflexes. It is not suitable for coughs with mucus or phlegm.
Pholcodine is an opioid derivative that acts centrally on the brain's medullary cough centre, suppressing the cough reflex and reducing the frequency and intensity of dry, tickly coughs.
Pholcodine has been withdrawn from markets in several countries (including France and Australia) due to concerns about rare but serious anaphylactic reactions linked to neuromuscular blocking agents used in surgery. It may cause drowsiness, constipation, and should be avoided in asthmatics and those with respiratory depression. Not recommended for children under certain ages without medical advice.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy