Codeine
Prescription neededStrong painkillers (opioids)
Comes as:TabletSyrup
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. Usual adult dose: 30 to 60 mg every 4 to 6 hours when needed; no more than 240 mg in 24 hours. Use for no more than 3 days unless a doctor reviews you.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- constipation
- nausea
- drowsiness
- dizziness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- slow or shallow breathing
- extreme sleepiness
- confusion
- dependence with long use
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Children under 12, and under 18 after tonsil or adenoid surgery
- Breastfeeding
- Severe breathing problems or an asthma attack
- Severe liver disease
- History of drug or alcohol addiction
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Diazepam
Together they can cause deep sleepiness and dangerously slow breathing.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine blocks the change of codeine into its active form, so pain relief may be poor.
- Paroxetine
Paroxetine blocks the change of codeine into its active form, so pain relief may be poor.