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Codeine

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Codeine is used to treat severe pain, severe coughing or diarrhoea.
Drowsiness, nausea and constipation are the most common side effects.
Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you are not fully alert or feel dizzy.

About codeine

Type of medicine	Analgesic
Used for	Pain relief, severe cough or diarrheoa
Also called	No other names are commonly used for codeine
Available as	Tablets, linctus and injection

Codeine is used to treat severe pain and severe coughs; it works on the nerves and brain to reduce the pain you feel or the need to cough.

Codeine can cause constipation by slowing the activity of the bowel, and so it is also useful in treating diarrhoea.

Before taking codeine

Before taking codeine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from liver problems.
If you suffer from kidney problems.
If you have problems with drug or alcohol dependence
If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland).
If you suffer from breathing problems.
If you suffer from prostate problems.
If you suffer from thyroid problems.
If you suffer from epilepsy.
If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
If you have recently suffered a serious head injury.
If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness.

How to take codeine

Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of codeine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks
Codeine can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as wholegrain cereals, fruit, green leafy vegetables and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day.
Because codeine is a controlled drug, if you are planning a trip abroad, check with the government department HM Revenue and Customs to see if you need any documentation for your medicine. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a list of medicines that contain controlled drugs and can tell you the amount that you are allowed to take abroad. If you need to pack more of your medicine than you are allowed you will need to apply in writing for a licence from the Home Office before you travel.

Can codeine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick	Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Constipation	Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Drowsiness, dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you are not fully alert or feel dizzy. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Sweating	Use a cold wet flannel to cool yourself down, if this continues to be problem and prevents you from taking your medicine, speak with your doctor.
Difficulty urinating (passing water), flushing (redness of the face), a fast or fluttering heartbeat, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, mood changes, sexual problems or skin rashes	Speak with your doctor.

How to store codeine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

DocID:
3512

DocRef:
dils2850

Last Updated:
7 Feb 2007

Date of Next Review:
6 Feb 2009

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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