Review Drug

Codeine

Used in the following combined preparations Benylin with Codeine, Co-codamol,
Codafen Continus, Codis, Diarrest, Migraleve, Panadol Ultra, Solpadeine,
Solpadol, Syndol, Terpoin, Tylex, Veganin, and others.

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Codeine is a mild opioid analgesic that is similar to, but weaker than, morphine.
It has been in common medical use since the beginning of this century.

The drug is prescribed primarily to relieve mild to moderate pain, and is often
combined with a non-opioid analgesic. Codeine is also an effective cough
suppressant and, for this reason, is included as an ingredient in many
non-prescription cough syrups and cold relief preparations.

Like the other opioid drugs, codeine is constipating, a characteristic that
sometimes makes it useful in the short- term control of diarrhoea.

Although codeine is habit-forming, addiction seldom occurs if the drug is used
for a limited period of time and the recommended dosage is followed.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Follow instructions in the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.

How taken

Tablets, liquid, injection.

Frequency and timing of doses

4-6 x daily (pain); 3-4 x daily when necessary (cough); every 4-6 hours when
necessary (diarrhoea).

Adult dosage range

120-240mg daily (pain); 45-120mg daily (cough); 30-180mg daily (diarrhoea).

Onset of effect

30-60 minutes.

Duration of action

4-6 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember if needed for relief of symptoms. If not needed, do
not take the missed dose, and return to your normal dose schedule when necessary.

Stopping the drug

Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.

OVERDOSE ACTION

Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Take emergency action if there are
symptoms such as slow or irregular breathing, severe drowsiness, or loss of
consciousness.

See Drug poisoning emergency guide.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

Serious adverse effects are rare with codeine. Constipation occurs especially
with prolonged use, but other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and
drowsiness, are not usually troublesome at recommended doses, and usually
disappear if the dose is reduced.

INTERACTIONS

Sedatives All drugs, including alcohol, that have a sedative effect on the
central nervous system are likely to increase sedation with codeine. Such drugs
include sleeping drugs, antidepressant drugs, and antihistamines.

QUICK REFERENCE

Drug group Opioid analgesic , Antidiarrhoeal drug and Cough suppressant

Overdose danger rating High

Dependence rating Medium

Prescription needed Yes (most preparations)

Available as generic Yes

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Be sure consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug if:

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You have a lung disorder such as asthma or bronchitis.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

No evidence of risk, but may adversely affect the baby’s breathing if taken
during labour.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the
baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

Reduced dose may be necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how codeine affects you because the
drug may cause dizziness and drowsiness.

Alcohol

Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.

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.