Description
What is codeine?
Codeine is an opioid pain reliever which is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain and to help reduce coughing. Codeine is available as a single ingredient tablet and also available in multi ingredients products combined with other pain relieving medicines or cold and flu medicines.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- severe asthma or breathing problems;
- a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or
- frequent asthma attacks or hyperventilation.
In some people, codeine breaks down rapidly in the liver and reaches higher than normal levels in the body. This can cause dangerously slow breathing and may cause death, especially in a child.
Do not give codeine to anyone younger than 18 years old.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- breathing problems, sleep apnea;
- asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
- abnormal curvature of the spine that affects breathing;
- kidney disease;
- a head injury or brain tumor;
- low blood pressure;
- blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
- a gallbladder or pancreas disorder;
- underactive thyroid;
- Addison’s disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
- enlarged prostate, urination problems; or
- mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction.
What to avoid
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Codeine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.
What does codeine do to you?
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Decreased pain
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Cough suppression
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Constipation
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Nausea
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Confusion
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Facial flushing
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Drowsiness
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Euphoria
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Suppressed breathing
What drugs have codeine in them?
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The medicines with codeine that we can find now in the pharmacy, according to the Vademecun are: Algidol Analgilasa Anagiplus Astefor Bisoltus Cod-Efferalgan Codeisan Codeisan Coxumadol Diminex Antitussive Dolmen Codeine Dolocatil Dolomedil Dolviran Fluid Codeine Fludeten Histaverin Ibucod Ibukern Lasa with Codeine Neobrufren with Codeína Nidol
Is codeine a narcotic?
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Yes, codeine is classified as a narcotic. It is a controlled substance, although it tends to be less potent than most other narcotic opioids. That said, codeine is still addictive. You can still become physically dependent on it, and it can still cause overdose and adverse effects.
Is codeine same as hydrocodone?
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While both medications work in similar ways, hydrocodone is more powerful than codeine. As a result, people with more severe pain are more likely to be prescribed hydrocodone. Another difference between the two drugs is that codeine is an instant-release medication while hydrocodone comes in both instant-release and extended-release options.
