Codeine: Pain Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Addiction (original) (raw)
- Uses
- Side Effects
- Addiction
- Alcohol
- Dosage
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- What Else to Know
- Comments
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What is codeine, and what is it used for?
Codeine is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine and hydrocodone.
Moreover, a small amount of codeine is converted to morphine in the body. The precise mechanism of action of codeine is not known; however, like morphine, codeine binds to receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are important for transmitting the sensation of pain throughout the body and brain.
Codeine increases tolerance to pain, decreasing discomfort, but the pain still is apparent to the patient. In addition to reducing pain, codeine also causes sedation drowsiness and depresses breathing. Codeine frequently is combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin for more effective pain relief.
The FDA approved codeine in 1950.
Is codeine addictive? Is it a controlled substance?
- Codeine is habit forming (addictive). Mental and physical dependence can occur but are unlikely when used for short-term pain relief. Using codeine during pregnancy can cause opioid withdrawal syndrome in the newborn, which may be life-threatening if not treated.
- If codeine is suddenly withdrawn after prolonged use, symptoms of withdrawal may develop. The dose of codeine should be reduced gradually in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Can I drink alcohol with codeine? What other drugs interact with codeine?
- Codeine can impair thinking and physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery.
- Alcohol and other sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) can produce further brain impairment and even confusion when combined with codeine. Therefore, alcohol and other sedatives should not be used when taking codeine.
- Drugs that stimulate and also block opioid receptors (for example, pentazocine) reduce the effect of codeine. Such drugs should not be combined with codeine.
- Drugs that block the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic drugs) increase the occurrence of urinary retention and constipation when combined with codeine.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) class of antidepressants (for example, isocarboxazid [Marplan], phenelzine [Nardil], tranylcypromine [Parnate], selegiline [Eldepryl], and procarbazine [Matulane]) significantly increase the action of codeine. Codeine should not be used in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs.
What is the dosage for codeine?
- The usual adult dose of codeine for pain is 15-60 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
- The dose for cough is 10 to 20 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
- The maximum dose for treating cough is 120 mg every 24 hours.
Is it safe to take codeine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Small amounts of codeine are secreted in breast milk, but the risk of adverse events in the infant is small.
What else should I know about codeine?
Codeine is available as:
- Tablets: 15, 30, 60 mg.
- Solution: 15 mg/5ml (teaspoon).
- Injection: 15 and 30 mg/ml.
Codeine should be stored between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
You need a prescription from your doctor to obtain codeine.
Health News
Summary
Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever (analgesic) used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. It is frequently combined with Tylenol or aspirin for more effective pain relief. Common side effects include itching, rash, stomach pain, constipation, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and dizziness. More serious adverse effects codeine are severe low blood pressure and adrenal insufficiency. Codeine is a controlled narcotic and it has the potential for abuse. Dependence and addiction can occur with codeine, even at prescribed dosages when taken over long periods.
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Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- acetaminophen - oral, Panadol, Tylenol
- codeine phosphate - injection
- codeine/carisoprodol/aspirin - oral, Soma Compound with Codeine
- codeine/butalbital/aspirin/caffeine - oral, Fiorinal with Codeine #3
- promethazine/phenylephrine/codeine - oral
- acetaminophen/codeine - oral, Tylenol-Codeine No.3, Tylenol-
- promethazine/codeine syrup - oral, Phenergan w/ codeine
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- hydrocodone/acetaminophen
- fentanyl patch
- aspirin
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- terpin hydrate/codeine
- Side Effects of Norflex (orphenadrine)
- montelukast, Singulair
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- Side Effects of Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen)
- Cold Medicine and Cough Syrup for Adults
- guaifenesin and codeine (Cheratussin, Iophen)
- Side Effects of Robitussin Ac (guaifenesin with codeine)
- promethazine and codeine, Phenergan with Codeine
- Side Effects of Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- Codeine Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- Fiorinal with Codeine (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate)
- metaxalone
- Side Effects of Phenergan with Codeine (promethazine and codeine)
- Pain Medications (Narcotics)
- oxymorphone
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Medically Reviewed on 1/20/2023
References
FDA Prescribing Information