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Codeine
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Codeine is a prescription painkiller that may be recommended if other pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, has not worked. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain and can also help with pain following an injury or surgery.
- Increases your tolerance to pain
- Decreases discomfort caused by pain
- Effective pain relief
- 100% genuine medication
- Shipped from registered pharmacies
More Information
A Pharmacist's Overview
 | Pharmacist, Amardeep Bagga (MPharm, MBA) provides a simple explanation of the medication below: 'Codeine is an opioid painkiller used as a short-term treatment of moderate pain and sometimes dry or painful cough.'. If you think this is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you. |
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Where to Buy Codeine Online?
You can safely purchase Codeine online from PharmXtra. Our online consultation process ensures that an independent prescriber assesses your suitability before prescribing. If approved, orders are fulfilled by a registered pharmacy.
Summary of Codeine
| Type of drug | Opioid painkiller |
| Health conditions prescribed for | Pain relief, Diarrhoea |
| Active ingredient | Codeine Phosphate |
| Brand name | There are various branded multi-ingredient medications containing codeine |
| Available strengths | 15mg, 30mg, 60mg |
| Available as | Tablet, oral liquid, injection |
| Possible side effects | Nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, constipation, confusion, headaches, dizziness and/or vertigo, dryness of the mouth |
| Patient Information Leaflet | For more information on the medication please refer to the patient information leaflet for Codeine. |
Codeine - Key Information
What is Codeine?
Codeine is a painkiller used for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain. It can also be prescribed for coughing and diarrhoea. It is not recommended for long-term or chronic pain (Bupa, 2022). Doctors may prescribe it after surgery or an injury. Codeine is a prescription-only medication that contains opioids, which can be addictive. It is also found in combination medicines, such as co-codamol.
Codeine is usually prescribed for people aged 12 and over when other painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, have not been effective (EMA, 2024).
Video: An overview of Codeine
Watch the video below for a simple explanation of what Codeine is, how it works, dosages, side effects and precautions:
How does Codeine work?
Codeine Phosphate
Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics, which relieve pain (Mayo Clinic, 2024). As an opioid analgesic, it blocks pain signals and changes the way the body responds to pain. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain (NICE, 2024).
What would a doctor prescribe Codeine for?
Doctors may prescribe Codeine for pain relief, such as after surgery or an injury, and for treating diarrhoea (NHS, 2022).
How does Codeine provide pain relief?
Codeine changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain (NHS, 2022). It is sometimes combined with other painkillers, such as paracetamol, for more effective pain relief. One common combination is co-codamol.
What experiences have Codeine users had?
Every patient suffering from pain has a unique individual experience when taking Codeine as a pain relief treatment.
User Reviews for Codeine
People have different experiences with Codeine. To read reviews from those who have used it for pain relief, diarrhoea, or coughing, visit pain relief, diarrhoea treatment and cough treatment on iwantgreatcare.org.
Speak to a doctor before taking Codeine to ensure it is the right medication for you.
Patient Information Leaflet
For more information on the prescription medication, please refer to the Codeine patient information leaflet.
Usage Advice
How do I use Codeine?
Codeine Tablets
Take Codeine with or after food to reduce the chance of feeling sick (NHS, 2022). Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take it at the same time each day. (NHS, 2022). Your doctor will advise you on the best way to take the medication for your individual needs.
For adults, the typical dose is 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Only take Codeine for as long as advised by your doctor. If your symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider.
Dosage
What is the proper dosage of Codeine?
Dose for Codeine
Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you, how long you should take it, and how to stop safely to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The patient information leaflet provides general dosage guidelines, but always follow your doctor’s advice.
Side Effects
What side effects can codeine have?
Codeine Side Effects
According to the NHS (2022), the most common side effects of codeine include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Dizziness and/or Vertigo
- Dryness of the mouth
- Breathing problems
More serious side effects are rare but can include low blood pressure or muscle stiffness.
Codeine FAQs
Can Codeine act as a cough suppressant?
Yes, Codeine is used as a cough suppressant. It reduces the urge to cough and is commonly prescribed for dry coughs. It is considered the "gold standard" for cough treatment according to a 2007 study by Bolser & Davenport.
Can Codeine treat diarrhoea?
Yes, Codeine can be prescribed for diarrhoea if a doctor considers it appropriate (O'Brien et al, 1988). However, due to its potential for addiction, it is not usually recommended for long-term diarrhoea.
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Can Codeine treat period pain?
No, Codeine is not usually recommended for period pain (The Recovery Village, 2023).
Is OTC Codeine available in the UK?
OTC Codeine
Yes, low-dose Codeine is available over the counter in the UK (Bupa, 2022).
Can you develop an addiction to codeine and cough syrup?
Yes, there is a risk of addiction to Codeine and Codeine-containing cough syrup Wairagkar et al (1994). This type of misuse is sometimes referred to as 'lean' or 'purple drank'.
Are codeine and dihydrocodeine the same?
Dihydrocodeine vs Codeine
No, Codeine and dihydrocodeine (DHC) are not the same. Dihydrocodeine is considered stronger than Codeine ((Leppert, 2010).
Further information:
- Drugs.com - Codeine
- Drugs.com - Codeine for Pain
- Drugs.com - Codeine for Diarrhoea
- Drugs.com - Codeine for Cough
- I Want Great Care - Codeine Phosphate
- BNF Nice - Codeine Phosphate
- Patient.info - Codeine
- NHS - Codeine
- Net Doctor - Codeine Phosphate
- Teva UK - Codeine
- ScienceDirect - Codeine
- ScienceDirect - Codeine Phosphate
- BJ Anaesthesia - Codeine Study
- Mayo Clinic - Codeine Oral Route
- Wikipedia - Codeine
Medical Reviewer
Irfan Siddique
Dr Irfan Siddique is a qualified Medical Doctor licensed to practise in the UK by the General Medical Council (GMC). He earned his MBBS degree in 2017 from the University of Health Sciences, Lahore, and brings years of clinical experience and medical knowledge to his work.
