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Codeine

Codeine is an opioid (methylmorphine) with a relatively limited analgesic effect. It has a cough suppressing effect. A 10% codeine dose is transformed into morphine in the liver so is seldom used in cough syrups today except in the most extreme cases.

Codeine is suitable for the treatment of mild and moderate pain. The analgesic action of 30 mg of codeine corresponds approximately to 325-600 mg of paracetamol or aspirin.

Side Effects: Constipation is common and a reason for not using the drug long term. Vomiting and nausea occur often. Retention of urine, itching, vertigo, palpitations, sweating, and sedation, mood changes and some hallucinations also occur less frequently.

Interactions: The effect of codeine is increased by other drugs with centrally suppressing effects (e.g. alcohol) and by the enzyme inhibitor cimetidine. Neuroleptic and antidepressive agents can competitively inhibit the enzyme responsible for the analgesic effect of codeine.

Please see the Infomed Drug Guide.

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