Codeine shouldn't be given to children aged 12 to 18 years if they have breathing problems or if they have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of obstructive sleep apnoea. If you're taking codeine for a short time and at normal doses, there's no firm evidence that it can reduce fertility. However if you've been taking it for a long time and you're concerned about your fertility, or you're trying to get pregnant, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor.
The type of painkiller that's best depends on what type of pain you have. If codeine doesn't get rid of your pain or becomes less effective, talk to your doctor. Codeine is a controlled medicine. This means there are extra rules on how it's prescribed and dispensed to make sure it's not given to the wrong person or misused. However, this doesn't affect you as a patient. The rules only apply to the pharmacy that dispenses it.
When you first take codeine, you'll probably feel sleepy for a few days. But the sleepiness will wear off as your body gets used to the medicine.
You might notice you're less alert. In this case, you might choose to have less than perfect pain relief as a trade-off. Do not drive a car or ride a bike if codeine makes you sleepy during the daytime, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions. This may be more likely when you first start taking codeine but could happen at any time - for example when starting another medicine.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Even if your ability to drive is not affected, the police have the right to request a saliva sample to check how much codeine is in your body. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking codeine.
Codeine doesn't affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception. But, if you are taking codeine because you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin while you're taking codeine, you're more likely to get the serious side effects of codeine including breathing difficulties, heart problems, seizures and even go into a coma. Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, will also increase codeine side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness. Taking heroin while you're on prescribed codeine is especially dangerous.
You're more likely to get all the side effects of codeine, including addiction. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on codeine.
Page last reviewed: 27 November Next review due: 27 November Codeine On this page About codeine Key facts Who can and can't take codeine How and when to take it Taking codeine with other painkillers Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions. About codeine Codeine is a painkiller.
Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Codeine works by stopping pain signals from travelling along the nerves to the brain. The most common side effects of codeine are constipation, feeling sick nausea and feeling sleepy.
It's possible to become addicted to codeine, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted. If you need to take codeine for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine.
It may be best not to drink alcohol while taking codeine as you're more likely to get side effects like feeling sleepy. Do not give codeine to children under 12 years old. Only give codeine to children aged 12 to 18 years if everyday painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen haven't worked. Codeine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and older. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have: had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicines in the past a lung problem a head injury adrenal gland problems an illness which causes seizures an addiction to alcohol an underactive thyroid gland kidney or liver problems gallstones an enlarged prostate low blood pressure myasthenia gravis a rare illness that causes muscle weakness symptoms of ulcerative colitis a bowel condition Do not give codeine to children who are under 18 years old and have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea.
Different types of codeine Codeine comes as: tablets - these contain 15mg, 30mg or 60mg of codeine a liquid that you swallow - this contains 25mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful cough syrup - this contains 15mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful an injection usually given in hospital If you're taking codeine as a liquid, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount.
Dosage The usual dose of codeine is 15mg to 60mg. The usual dose for treating pain: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets mg in 24 hours children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid every 6 hours elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet every 4 hours The usual dose for treating diarrhoea: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet You can take this dose 3 or 4 times a day.
The usual dose for treating a cough: adults and children usually take one or two 5ml spoonfuls of cough syrup 3 or 4 times a day. Important: Overdose warning It's important not to take more than your prescribed dose. Do not take more than 4 doses of codeine in 24 hours if you're: a child aged 12 to 17 years taking a 60mg dose. Will my dose go up or down? If you get side effects your dose may go down.
How long will I take it for? You might only need to take codeine for a few days. What if I forget to take it? Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. What will happen if I stop taking it? If you stop taking it suddenly it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as: feeling agitated feeling anxious shaking sweating.
Important If you have been taking codeine for more than a few weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. What if I take too much? Taking too much codeine can be dangerous. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Storing codeine If you've been prescribed codeine, it's particularly important that you: store it properly and safely at home keep it out of the sight and reach of children never give your medicine to anyone else Return any unused codeine to your pharmacist.
They will dispose of it. Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or don't go away: constipation feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting feeling sleepy confusion, feeling dizzy and vertigo a sensation of spinning dry mouth headaches Serious side effects Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in people.
Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to codeine. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
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These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of prescription codeine. Previous advisories on prescription codeine were issued on July 28, and June 6, Abdominal conditions: Codeine may make the diagnosis of abdominal conditions more difficult or it may worsen these conditions.
If you have an abdominal condition such as inflammatory or obstructive bowel disease, acute cholecystitis, or pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Asthma and other respiratory conditions: Codeine may cause increased breathing difficulty for anyone who is having an asthma attack or who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other conditions that affect breathing. If you have asthma or another breathing disorder, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Breathing: Codeine can suppress breathing. If you are at risk for breathing difficulties, such as asthma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Constipation: Codeine can be very constipating. Eating a high-fibre diet and following good bowel habits will help to minimize this effect. If you develop constipation easily, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dependence and withdrawal: This medication contains codeine. Physical dependence, psychological dependence, and abuse have occurred with the use of codeine. People with a history of past or current substance use problems may be at greater risk of developing abuse or addiction while taking this medication. Abuse is not a problem with people who require this medication for pain relief.
If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, trouble sleeping, shaking, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, and hallucinations.
If you have been taking this medication for a while, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor. Dizziness: Codeine can cause severe dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. This is more likely to occur when other medications with similar side effects are being taken.
People taking medications that can cause dizziness should rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the possibility of severe dizziness or fainting. Avoid activities requiring alertness such as driving, operating machinery or performing dangerous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by codeine.
Head injury: If you have a head injury or increased pressure in the head, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects breathing problems or worsening of their condition while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rhythm: Codeine can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems e. Inflammatory bowel disease: If you have a condition affecting the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney disease: If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Codeine should not be used by people with severely reduced kidney function.
Liver disease: If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other medical conditions: If you are about to undergo surgery of the biliary tract, approach taking codeine with caution, as it may worsen your condition. Codeine will worsen the effects of acute alcohol intoxication and delirium tremens. As well, if you have hypothyroidism low thyroid , Addison's disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy enlarged prostate , gallbladder disease, urethral stricture, decreased function of the adrenal glands, or porphyria, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizure disorders: Codeine may increase the risk of seizures for people who have a seizure disorder. If you have a seizure disorder or a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
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