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(Best Syndication) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned nursing mothers of the dangers of codeine Friday. The watchdog agency says that codeine increases the risk of morphine overdose in their children if the mothers are ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine. The codeine basically turns into morphine in the mothers body.

The FDA reports the death of a 13-day old breastfed infant who died from morphine overdose. Even a small dose of codeine can cause morphine levels in the mother's milk to become abnormally high. Although nursing mothers have used codeine for years, and it is generally considered safe, the FDA wanted to “raise awareness of this possible health risk and to prevent morphine overdose in nursing infants.”

The FDA said in a statement that doctors should prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest period of time for nursing mothers. They also said “Doctors need to tell their nursing patients how to recognize signs of high morphine levels in themselves and their babies.”

The warning signs of infant overdose are: increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness. If you notice these signs, talk to the baby’s doctor immediately. If you cannot reach your doctor, the FDA says take your baby to an emergency room or call 911.

Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 percent. While codeine can be extracted from opium, most codeine is synthesized from morphine through the process of O-methylation.

The drug is regulated in the United States as a Schedule II controlled substance. The drug is found in various pain relievers, cough syrups, and drugs for diarrhea and irreparable bowel syndrome.

"Our best advice to physicians prescribing codeine-containing products to nursing mothers is to prescribe the lowest dose needed for the shortest amount of time," said Sandra Kweder, M.D., deputy director of the Office of New Drugs in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "And nursing mothers should always consult their physicians before taking any codeine containing products."

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By Marsha Quinn
Best Syndication News Health Writer