Codeine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular combinations:

[analgesic] Adcol-Dol, Empacod, Gen-Payne, Mybulen, Myprodol, Stilpane, Stopayne; [cough suppressants] Actifed, Adco-Tussend, Flutex Co Linctus, Phensedyl

Drug group:

Opioid analgesic, antidiarrhoeal drug, and cough suppressant

Prescription needed?

Yes (some preparations)

What does it do?

Codeine is useful in the treatment of:

• Mild to moderate pain - often combined with a non-opioid analgesic such as paracetamol
• Cough – codeine is an effective cough suppressant and is included in many over-the-counter cough syrups and cold/flu preparations
• Diarrhoea (short-term control) - like other opioid drugs, codeine is constipating

How does it work?

Codeine is a mild opioid analgesic that is similar to (but weaker than) morphine.

How should it be used?

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration - codeine is habit-forming but addiction seldom occurs if it is used for a limited period of time at recommended doses.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Pain: 120–240mg daily, taken 4–6 x daily
• Cough: 45–120mg daily, 3–4 x daily when necessary
• Diarrhoea: 30–120mg daily, every 6–8 hours when necessary

How quickly will it start to work?

30–60 minutes
                   

How long will the effects last?

4–6 hours
            

When should I stop using it?

Can (and should) be stopped as soon as no longer needed.

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Codeine is normally used only for short-term relief of symptoms. It can be habit-forming if taken for extended periods, especially if higher-than-average doses are taken.

What are the possible side effects?

Serious side effects are rare with codeine.

The following have been reported:

• More common: constipation
• Less common: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: restlessness or agitation, rash, hives, wheezing, breathlessness

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, lung problems (asthma or bronchitis)
• Other medicines: Sedatives (alcohol, sleeping drugs, antidepressant drugs, antihistamines, antipsychotics)
• Pregnancy: No evidence of risk but may affect the baby’s breathing if taken during labour
• Breast-feeding: Not recommended as the drug may harm the baby
• Children: Not recommended for children <12 years, avoid in older children if there is obstructive sleep apnoea or other respiratory problems
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug may cause dizziness and drowsiness
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects