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Codeine breastfeeding — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsCodeine breastfeedingGPhC CRA

A breastfeeding patient requests codeine for dental pain after paracetamol has not helped. Their baby is two weeks old. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: E — Avoid codeine and refer for safer analgesia advice

Codeine can expose breastfed infants to morphine through variable metabolism, with risk of toxicity. Safer alternatives should be considered. In this scenario, the correct option is avoid codeine and refer for safer analgesia advice. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF