Codeine for pain relief

About codeine

Codeine is a type of opioid (a strong painkiller) that is used to treat mild-to-moderate types of pain. It can be particularly useful when painkillers such as paracetamol och ibuprofen have not been effective.

Codeine works by binding to certain tiny areas, called opioid receptors, in your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This leads to a decrease in the way you feel pain and your reaction to pain.

Codeine is available with a prescription from a doctor. It is also included in some pain relief medicines you can buy directly from a pharmacy without a prescription. One example is co-codamol, which contains codeine combined with paracetamol.

Codeine is also combined with the anti-inflammatory medicine ibuprofen in some over-the-counter products.

Common side effects of codeine include:

• Feeling sick.

• Being sick (vomiting).

• Förstoppning.

• Feeling dizzy.

• Feeling sleepy.

• Stomach (tummy) pain.

• Torr mun.

• Sweating.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting codeine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Om du är gravid eller ammar.

• If you have a problem with the way your liver works, or a problem with the way your kidneys work.

• Om du har prostataproblem eller några svårigheter med att kissa.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as astma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• If you have been told you have lågt blodtryck or an abnormal heart rhythm.

• Om du har några problem med din sköldkörtel eller dina binjurar.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have gallstones or a problem with your bile duct.

• Om du har varit förstoppad i mer än en vecka eller har ett inflammatoriskt tarmproblem.

• Om du har ett tillstånd som orsakar muskelsvaghet, kallat myasthenia gravis.

• Om du nyligen har haft en allvarlig huvudskada.

• If you have ever been dependent on drugs or alcohol.

• Om du någonsin har haft en allergisk reaktion mot en medicin.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.
  

• Read the leaflet inside the pack before you start. It explains how codeine works and lists possible side effects.

• Take codeine exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

  • The usual dose for pain is 30-60 mg every 4 hours if needed.

• Do not take it more often than every 4 hours and do not exceed 240 mg in one day.

• Codeine tablets come in different strengths, always check the label to see how many tablets to take.

• Swallow the tablets with water. You can take them with or without food, but taking them after food may help prevent feeling sick.

• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, then continue as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking codeine. Alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness.

• Codeine can affect your reactions and driving ability. Do not drive until you know how codeine affects you, especially when you first start taking it. The effects of codeine may last into the next day, even if you feel alert.

• If you are driving while taking codeine, carry proof that it has been prescribed for you (such as the patient leaflet or a prescription slip).

• Codeine is prescribed for the shortest time needed to reduce the risk of dependence and building a tolerance.

• Stopping codeine suddenly after taking it for a while can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling restless or irritable.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking codeine.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with codeine.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How long does it take for codeine to work?

Codeine usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it, with pain relief typically lasting for around 4 hours. How quickly it works however can vary from person to person.

Is it safe to take codeine during pregnancy?

Codeine can be taken during pregnancy but only for short-term use. It is not recommended during the third trimester as there is a risk that your baby will get used to having codeine and could have withdrawal symptoms.

Can you drink alcohol with codeine?

No, you should not drink alcohol while taking codeine. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, and impaired judgement.

Can you take codeine with paracetamol?

Yes, you can take codeine and paracetamol together. They are commonly combined in a medicine called co-codamol. Taking them together can provide better pain relief than either medicine alone.

Is codeine addictive?

Yes, codeine can be addictive if taken regularly or for long periods. Your body can become dependent on it, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability. For this reason, codeine is usually prescribed for short-term use only.