Codeine phosphate tablets

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



How does it work?

Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins). They combine with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. Codeine is also sometimes used to treat diarrhoea because of it's constipating side effect, however this is not a recommended use. Codeine is found in low doses in some cough medicines (see codeine phosphate, linctus).

What is it used for?

- Cough
- Mild to moderate pain

Use with caution in

- Asthma
- Breathing problems
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Elderly people
- Enlarged prostate gland
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Not to be used in

- Alcoholism
- Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)
- Head injury
- Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)
- Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- Sudden asthma attack

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.
- The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Label warnings

- This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Changes in mood
- Drowsiness
- Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
- Addiction to the medicine (dependence)
- Skin rashes
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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