Codeine
Information about Codeine
Codeine uses
How codeine works
Codeine decreases the perception of pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Common side effects of codeine
Sweating, Headache, Dizziness, Sleepiness, Vomiting, Weakness, Dehydration, Lightheadedness, Nausea, Edema, Dry mouth, Fatigue, Anemia, Sedation, Constipation
Available Medicine for Codeine
Expert advice for Codeine
Do not drink alcohol while you are on codeine medication. Take the drug with meals or a snack to prevent stomach upset.
Do not drive or operate machinery.
Do not use for pain relief in children and adolescents (0-18 years of age) as it may cause serious breathing problems.Codeine can be habit forming, so do not take larger doses or for longer duration than what is prescribed by your doctor.
Codeine commonly cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when you change positions, such as going from sitting to standing. Be careful since you can feel dizzy or fall. If symptoms continue for more than a week, you may need to change the dose or medicine after consulting your doctor.Always consult your doctor if you are using drugs or have used drugs in the past, are taking or have taken within the last two weeks, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide, or phenelzine used in the treatment of depression.Codeine may cause constipation. Consult your doctor about changing your diet and using other medications to treat or prevent constipation.Doctor’s advice should be considered in any of following disease conditions
- Attacks of asthma, bronchitis or emphysema, cor-pulmonale.
- Severe obesity.
- Severely deformed spine, mental illness brought on by an infection.
- Liver problems, kidney problems, problems with your bile duct.
- Enlarged prostate gland (in men) or difficulty in passing urine.
- Under-active thyroid or adrenal gland.
- Low blood pressure.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis or a blockage in the bowel, fits.
- Myasthenia gravis.
Frequently asked questions for Codeine
Codeine
Q. Is codeine legal in India?
Yes, however codeine containing tablets require prescription in India
Q. Is codeine addictive?
Codeine may cause addiction when consumed for longer duration. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use
Q. Is codeine a narcotic/hydrocodone/morphine/depressant?
Codeine is a naturally occurring form of morphine and called as narcotic. Hydrocodone is derived form of codeine. Codeine is not a depressant drug