Codeine

What is the most important information I should know about codeine?

• Do not stop taking codeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you very uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

• Codeine will cause drowsiness and fatigue. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under the supervision of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.

• Codeine will also cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

• Never take more codeine than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

What is codeine?

• Codeine is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain.

• Codeine is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Codeine is also a cough suppressant and an antidiarrheal medication.

• Codeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take codeine?

• Codeine is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision if you have an alcohol or drug addiction.

• You may not be able to take codeine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

• Codeine may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as other harmful effects in an unborn baby. Do not take codeine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

• Codeine may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing baby. Do not take codeine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from codeine therapy. Use extra caution.

How should I take codeine?

• Take codeine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much codeine could be very harmful.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.

• Take codeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

• Do not stop taking codeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

• Codeine will cause constipation. Increase the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses a day) in your diet to prevent constipation.

• Do not share this medication with anyone else.

• Store codeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose/overdose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Take your next dose 4 to 6 hours later.

• Seek emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms of a codeine overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils

What should I avoid while taking codeine?

• Avoid alcohol while taking codeine. Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by codeine and could be dangerous.

• Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation.

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Codeine may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.

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