About codeine phosphate
Opioid pain reliever and cough suppressant
Used for
- Relief of mild to moderate pain
- Short-term treatment of dry cough
Usual adult dose
Pain: usually 15–60 mg every 4 hours as needed. Cough: usually 10–20 mg every 4–6 hours; follow local product directions.
Usual dose in children
Not recommended for cough in children under 12. For pain, dosing depends on age and weight; avoid under 12 unless specifically prescribed.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Itching or sweating
- Slow or difficult breathing
Important warnings
- Can cause dependence, overdose, and life-threatening breathing problems.
- Avoid alcohol, sedatives, and driving if drowsy.
- Some people convert codeine rapidly to morphine, increasing overdose risk.
- Not for breastfeeding or children under 12; restrictions also apply to adolescents.
Pregnancy
Use only if clearly needed and prescribed; prolonged use can cause newborn withdrawal, and use near delivery can slow a newborn’s breathing.
Breastfeeding
Avoid: codeine can enter breast milk and cause serious sleepiness or breathing problems in the baby.
Interactions
- Benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, and other opioids increase sedation and breathing risk.
- Alcohol increases drowsiness and breathing suppression.
- Some antidepressants and other medicines alter codeine’s conversion to morphine.
- Medicines that cause constipation can worsen constipation.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.