An opioid-naive 75-year-old with eGFR 18 mL/min/1.73 m² receives co-codamol 30/500, two tablets four times daily. What is the pharmacist’s main

Question

An opioid-naive 75-year-old with eGFR 18 mL/min/1.73 m² receives co-codamol 30/500, two tablets four times daily. What is the pharmacist’s main concern?

Accepted Answer

Codeine and active metabolites may accumulate and cause opioid toxicity

Answer

Paracetamol is ineffective unless the dosing interval is shortened

Answer

Codeine prevents renal elimination of every concurrent analgesic medicine

Answer

Codeine requires activation that becomes excessive in liver impairment alone

Answer

Paracetamol and codeine together cause treatment-resistant hyperkalaemia

Opioids in renal impairment — GPhC CRA MCQ

An opioid-naive 75-year-old with eGFR 18 mL/min/1.73 m² receives co-codamol 30/500, two tablets four times daily. What is the pharmacist’s main concern?