Concerns about the risk of anaphylactic reactions (sudden, severe and potentially fatal allergic reactions) triggered by certain medicinal products called neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) have prompted the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to re-evaluate the benefit-risk balance of pholcodine-based medicinal products.

Pholcodine is a morphine derivative that is used to treat non-productive (dry) cough in children and adults. Pholcodine acts primarily on the central nervous system, which depresses the cough reflex.
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are used during general anaesthesia to prevent spontaneous muscle movements so that the operation can be executed under better conditions.

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