Codeine phosphate is an opioid medication used for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate pain, as a cough suppressant, and as an antidiarrheal agent. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, which blocks pain signals and reduces the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
Key Information
- Uses: Codeine is primarily used when other non-opioid pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen alone) have not been effective. As a cough suppressant, it is typically used for dry or painful coughs. For diarrhea, it slows down muscle movement in the intestines, allowing more water to be absorbed.
- Forms: It is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, oral solutions, and syrups (linctus). It is also often a component in combination products with other analgesics like paracetamol (co-codamol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen Plus).
- Dosage: Dosing varies by indication, age, and individual health factors. It is generally used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, usually a maximum of 3 days for acute pain.
- Prescription Status: While lower-strength combination products may be available over the counter in some regions, codeine linctus has been reclassified as a prescription-only medicine in some areas due to risks of dependence and overdose.
Important Precautions & Side Effects
- Addiction and Dependence: Regular, prolonged use, even at therapeutic doses, can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medicine is stopped suddenly, so discontinuation should be discussed with a doctor to taper the dose gradually.
- Respiratory Depression: Codeine can cause serious, life-threatening breathing problems (slow or shallow breathing). This risk is higher in the elderly, those with existing lung conditions, and individuals who are “ultra-rapid metabolizers” of the drug.
- Children and Breastfeeding: Codeine is generally not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age due to the risk of severe breathing problems. It is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers because it can pass into breast milk and harm the infant.
- Other Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It can also impair cognitive function, so driving or operating machinery should be avoided until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Interactions: Alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (e.g., sedatives, certain antihistamines) can increase the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems when taken with codeine.
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