Codeine: uses, side effects and practical questions

What codeine is used for

Codeine is an opioid medicine used for pain, including when simpler painkillers have not provided enough relief. Codeine on its own is a prescription medicine. Whether it fits your situation depends on the cause of pain and your individual circumstances.

Explain how pain affects activities you want to do. A clinician can review both symptom relief and practical benefit, rather than choosing an opioid simply because a different product did not seem strong enough.

Codeine is not the same as co-codamol

Codeine phosphate tablets contain codeine. Co-codamol contains codeine together with paracetamol. Other combination painkillers can contain different ingredients again, so a familiar brand or the word “painkiller” is not a complete description.

Before adding another product, check the active ingredients with a pharmacist. This matters for cold-and-flu remedies as well as products sold specifically for pain. Keep packaging available so the combination can be checked accurately.

Side effects that can affect everyday life

Constipation, nausea, vomiting and sleepiness can occur with codeine. Ask for advice if an unwanted effect is troublesome or persists. Do not drive or carry out hazardous tasks while sleepy or less alert.

Describe the practical result at a review. For instance, being able to move more comfortably but struggling with constipation is important information, not a reason to silently continue or to take more tablets. The patient leaflet gives a fuller account of effects and warning symptoms.

Suitability and medicine interactions

Breathing problems, liver or kidney conditions and a history of medicine or substance problems need discussion. Tell the clinician about pregnancy or breastfeeding and ask for individual advice. Another person’s experience does not establish what is appropriate for you.

Other opioids, sedating medicines and some antidepressants can interact. Alcohol can worsen sedation. Provide your full medicine list and check before adding a remedy, even when it is available without a prescription.

Dependence, withdrawal and review

The body can become dependent on codeine, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when regular treatment is reduced or stopped. Addiction is a separate but important possibility. A planned review should consider benefit, adverse effects and treatment duration.

If you find it difficult to follow the plan or are taking more than directed, ask for support. Do not hide changes in use or attempt an abrupt stop without advice. A prescriber can discuss an approach suited to your history and needs.

Useful questions for a pharmacist or prescriber

Bring the exact names of your pain medicines and a brief record of what they help you do. Include products you take only occasionally.

• Is this codeine alone or a combination product?
• Are any ingredients duplicated in other products I use?
• What should I do about constipation, nausea or sleepiness?
• When will treatment be reviewed and how should it finish?

Get urgent medical help after a suspected overdose or a serious reaction. Slow breathing or difficulty waking someone should not wait for a routine medicine review.