Codeine Phosphate 30mg | Effective Painkiller

Description

Codeine is a pain reliever that is part of a class of medications known as opiates.

Codeine is a medication used to relieve pain, such as that experienced after surgery or an injury. It is also used for persistent pain when painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin have not worked. Codeine is also used to treat diarrhea.

It works in the central nervous system and brain, blocking pain signals to the rest of the body. It also reduces anxiety and stress caused by pain.

Codeine requires a prescription and is available as tablets, a liquid to swallow, a syrup (Linctus), and an injection. Codeine injections are typically administered only in a hospital setting.

You can also purchase lower-strength codeine at a pharmacy. It is mixed with paracetamol (Co-Codamol), aspirin (Co-Codaprin), or ibuprofen (Nurofen Plus).

Key Facts

• The most common side effects of Codeine are constipation, nausea and drowsiness.
• It is possible to become dependent on Codeine, but your doctor will explain how you can reduce your risk.
• If you need to take Codeine for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details about how and when to stop taking this medicine.
• It may be best not to drink alcohol while taking Codeine, as you may experience more side effects, such as drowsiness.
• Please do not administer Codeine to children under the age of 12. Only give Codeine to children aged 12 to 18 if daily painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not worked.

Who can and cannot use Codeine?

Who can use Codeine?

Codeine can be used by adults and children who are 12 years old and older. Only give Codeine to children (aged 12 to 18) if daily painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not worked.

Who may not be able to take Codeine?

Codeine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it is safe for you, tell your doctor before you start taking this medicine if you:

• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to Codeine or any other medicine?
• Have lung problems
• Have a head injury
• Have adrenal gland problems
• Have a medical condition that causes seizures or convulsions.
• Have an alcohol addiction.
• Have an underactive thyroid.
• Have kidney or liver problems
• have gallstones
• Have an enlarged prostate.
• Have low blood pressure.
• Have myasthenia gravis, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness
• Have symptoms of ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease
• Have been trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or are breastfeeding – Codeine is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Do not give Codeine to children under 18 years of age if they have had their tonsils removed or have had tonsils removed due to a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is because:

• OSA can cause breathing problems while you sleep
• Codeine can also cause breathing problems

It can, therefore, be dangerous to give Codeine to a child with this condition.

How and when to take Codeine?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about taking this medicine. This is especially important because Codeine can be addictive.

Dosage and Strength

Codeine is available as:

• Tablets – these contain 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg of Codeine
• a liquid that you swallow – this contains 25 mg of Codeine in a 5 ml spoon
• cough syrup – contains 15 mg of Codeine in a 5 ml spoon
• an injection (usually given in the hospital)

The usual dose of Codeine is 15 mg to 60 mg.

The usual dose for pain treatment is:

• Adults – one or two 30 mg tablets every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets (240 mg) in 24 hours
• Children (12 to 17 years) – one or two 30 mg tablets (or one or two 5 ml spoonfuls of liquid) taken every 6 hours
• Older adults or people with kidney or liver problems – one 15 mg tablet taken every 4 hours

The usual dose for diarrhea treatment is:

• Adults – one or two 30 mg tablets (or one or two 5 ml spoonfuls of liquid)
• Children (12 to 17 years) – one or two 30 mg tablets (or one or two 5 ml spoonfuls of liquid)
• Older adults or people with kidney or liver problems – one 15 mg tablet
• You can take this dose 3 to 4 times a day.

The usual dose for treating coughs is:

• Adults and children – one or two 5 ml spoonfuls of cough syrup, taken three or four times daily.

It is important not to take more than the prescribed dose. Do not take more than four doses of Codeine in 24 hours if you:

• are a child (aged 12 to 17)
• Take a dose of 60 mg

Changes in your Dose

If you experience side effects while taking Codeine, your doctor may reduce your dose.

If your symptoms do not disappear, your doctor may increase your dose or prescribe a different medicine.

Contact your doctor if your pain or diarrhea is not relieved by the prescribed dose of Codeine or if side effects bother you or do not go away.

How to take it

Take your codeine tablet whole and swallow it with a glass of water. To help you feel less sick, take it with or immediately after a meal or snack.

You can take Codeine at any time of day but try to take it at the same time each day and space your doses evenly.

If you use Codeine as a liquid, a plastic spoon or syringe is provided to help you measure the right amount. If you don’t have one, ask your pharmacist. Don’t measure the liquid with a kitchen spoon, or you won’t get the right amount.

How long should you take it?

You may only need to take Codeine for a few days. There may be times when you need to continue taking it for an extended period. However, if you have long-term pain or diarrhea, a different medicine will usually be prescribed, especially if you suffer from side effects such as constipation.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, read the information in the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Never take two doses simultaneously to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to take your medicine, set an alarm to remind you. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to store your medicine.

If you take too much

It is important not to take more than the prescribed dose, even if you think it is not enough to relieve your pain. If you think you need another dose, contact your doctor first.

Taking too much Codeine can be dangerous. You may feel drowsy, sick or dizzy. You may also have difficulty breathing. In severe cases, you may become unconscious and need to be hospitalized.

The amount of Codeine that can cause an overdose varies from person to person.

No more Codeine

If you have been taking Codeine for a long time and want to stop, contact your doctor first. Your dose can be gradually reduced so that you do not experience withdrawal symptoms. Stopping suddenly can cause:

• agitation
• fear
• tremors
• sweating

Storing Codeine

If you have been prescribed Codeine, it is especially important to:

• Store it properly and safely at home
• Keep it out of the sight and reach of children
• Never share your medicine with others

Leave any unused codeine to your pharmacist. They will throw it away.

Codeine Side Effects

Like any medication, codeine can cause side effects in some individuals. However, many people have no or only mild side effects.

The higher the dose of codeine, the greater the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

Common Side Effects

The common side effects of Codeine occur in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do about it: Constipation

feeling sick or sick (nausea or vomiting)

Drowsiness, confusion (inability to concentrate or think clearly, confused thoughts)

Feeling dizzy and light-headed

Dry mouth, headache

If this advice does not help and you continue to experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects occur in fewer than 1 in 100 people.

Call a doctor now or call 111 if you:

• have muscle stiffness
• Develop symptoms of low blood pressure, including dizziness and tiredness
• You have difficulty breathing or short, shallow breathing
• You have a fit or epileptic seizure

Serious Allergic Reaction

In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to Codeine can occur.

Call 999 immediately if:

• Your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell.
• You are breathing very quickly or have difficulty breathing (you may be panting heavily or feel like you are choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat is tight, or you have difficulty swallowing.
• Your skin, tongue,e or lips turn blue, grey, or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be more noticeable on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, sleepy, or dizzy.
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• A child is limp, lethargic, or unresponsive (the head may fall to the side, back or forward, or it may not be easy to lift the head or concentrate on the face)

You or the person who is sick may also have a rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or flaky.

These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction and require immediate hospital treatment.

Long-term Side Effects

Some people with conditions that require long-term pain relief may need to take codeine long-term.

If you have to use it for a long time, your body may get used to it (tolerance). This means that you will need higher doses over time to control your pain.

Some people may become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). In this case, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose to relieve these symptoms.

It is possible to become dependent on Codeine. For this reason, your dose will be assessed to ensure that you only get the amount you need to control your pain.

Your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking Codeine.

If you are being treated for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain management will be closely monitored. If you are concerned about tolerance, hyperalgesia, or dependence, contact your doctor.

Other Side Effects

These are not all the side effects of Codeine. For a complete list, please refer to the leaflet that comes with your medication.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility when taking Codeine

Codeine and Pregnancy

Codeine can be used during pregnancy; however, long-term use is not advisable.

If you take Codeine at the end of your pregnancy, there is a risk that your baby will become used to Codeine. This means that they may experience withdrawal symptoms. In this case, your baby may need to stay in the hospital for further observation after birth.

It is important to treat pain during pregnancy. For some pregnant women experiencing severe pain, codeine may be the most suitable option. Your doctor can help you decide best for you and your baby.

Codeine and Breastfeeding

Do not take Codeine if you are breastfeeding. Small amounts of Codeine pass into your breast milk and may cause your baby to have difficulty breathing and may make your baby feel sleepy.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist, as they may be able to recommend a more suitable painkiller.

Codeine and Fertility

If you take Codeine for a short period and at normal doses, there is no evidence that it reduces fertility in men or women.

However, if you have been taking it for a long time and are concerned about your fertility or are trying to get pregnant, talk to a pharmacist or your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you:

• are trying to get pregnant
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding

Taking Codeine with other medicines and herbal supplements

Be careful with other Medicines.

Some medicines can affect how Codeine works and increase the risk of side effects.

Please inform your doctor if you are taking any medications:

• to help you sleep
• for depression – some types cannot be taken with Codeine
• for high blood pressure
• to help you avoid feeling sick or being sick
• to treat allergy symptoms
• to reduce tension or anxiety
• with mental health problems

Taking Codeine with other Painkillers

It is safe to take Codeine with paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin (aspirin is suitable for most people aged 16 and over).

Some painkillers that you can buy over the counter from a pharmacy contain Codeine. These include co-codamol, ibuprofen and codeine (such as Nurofen Plus) and solpadeine.

If you are taking prescription codeine, do not take pharmacy-bought painkillers with Codeine at the same time. You are more likely to experience side effects.

Mixing Codeine with Herbal Remedies and Supplements

It is not safe to take herbal remedies and supplements with Codeine. They are not tested the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines and are not generally tested for their effect on other medicines.