Co-Codamol (codeine+paracetamol) from Kern Pharma

Codeine is a painkiller that is part of a group of medicines called opiates. It’s used to treat pain, for example, after an operation or an injury. It’s also used for ongoing pain when painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin have not worked. Codeine is also used to treat diarrhoea.

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

Codeine is available on prescription and comes as tablets, a liquid you swallow and as an injection. Codeine injections are usually only given in hospital.

You can also buy lower-strength codeine from a pharmacy. It comes mixed with paracetamol (co-codamol) or with aspirin (co-codaprin) or with ibuprofen (Nurofen Plus).

Pharmacies also sell codeine as a syrup (linctus) to treat dry coughs.

How to take it

Swallow your codeine tablet whole with a drink of water. Take it with, or just after, a meal or snack so it’s less likely to make you feel sick.

You can take codeine at any time of day but try to take it at the same times every day, and space your doses evenly.

If you’re taking codeine as a liquid, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount. Ask your pharmacist for one if you do not have it. Do not measure the liquid with a kitchen teaspoon because it will not give the right amount.

How long to take it for

You might only need to take codeine for a few days. Sometimes, you may need to take it for longer. But usually, a different medicine will be prescribed for long-term pain or diarrhoea, especially if you have side effects like constipation.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, check the information on the leaflet inside the packaging, or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on what to do.

Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicine.

If you take too much

It’s important not to take more than your prescribed dose, even if you think it’s not enough to relieve your pain. Speak to your doctor first, if you think you need a different dose.

Taking too much codeine can be dangerous. It may make you feel very sleepy, sick or dizzy. You may also find it difficult to breathe. In serious cases, you can become unconscious and may need emergency treatment in hospital.

The amount of codeine that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.