Codeine is a medication to relieve mild to moderate pain. This medicine can also be used to relieve coughs. Codeine can be found alone or in combination with other drugs.
Codeine belongs to the opioid class of drugs. To relieve pain, this drug will bind to special receptors in the central nervous system so that it affects the response to pain. In addition, codeine also has an antitussive effect or suppresses the cough response that works by inhibiting the delivery of cough signals in the central nervous system.
This drug also has effects on the digestive system, smooth muscles, heart, and blood vessels. Sometimes codeine is used to relieve acute diarrhea. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Codeine trademark: Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate, Codikaf 10, Codikaf 15. Codikaf 20, Codipront, Codipront Cum Expectorant, Coditam
What is Codeine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Opioid drugs |
| Benefit | Relieves mild to moderate pain, reduces cough symptoms, and relieves acute diarrhea |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 12 years old |
| Codeine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Codeine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this medicine before consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, slow-release capsules, and syrups |
Warning Before Taking Codeine
Codeine should only be consumed according to a prescription and doctor's advice. There are several things you need to pay attention to before using codeine, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Codeine should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery to remove your tonsils (tonsillectomy). Codeine should not be used to relieve postoperative pain.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma or paralytic ileus. Codeine should not be used under these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you are or have recently been treated with an MAOI drug. Codeine should not be used with these drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, head injury, hypotension, hypothyroidism, disease of the prostate gland, disease of the adrenal glands, mental disorder, or disease of the respiratory tract, including sleep apnea or COPD.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking codeine if you plan to have surgery or certain laboratory tests.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking codeine, as this medicine can cause drowsiness.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking codeine, as this can increase your risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to any medication, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking codeine.
Codeine Dosage and Rules
Codeine can be found alone or in combination with other drugs, such as phenyltoloxamine resinate or guaifenesin. The doctor will determine the dose according to the type of drug combination, condition, and age of the patient. The following are common doses of codeine based on their intended use:
Purpose: Relieve pain
- Mature:15–60 mg, once every 4 hours. Medicines are taken as needed. The maximum dose is 360 mg per day.
- Children 12 years old:0.5–1 mg/kg, every 6 hours. Medicines are taken as needed. The maximum dose per day is 240 mg and the maximum dose per dose is 60 mg.
Purpose: Relieves cough
- Mature:15–30 mg, 3-4 times daily.
Purpose: Treating acute diarrhea
- Mature: 30 mg, 3-4 times daily.
How to Consume Codeine Correctly
Take codeine according to the doctor's advice and read the instructions for use on the medicine package. Do not reduce or increase the dose of codeine because it can increase your risk of drug side effects or drug dependence.
Codeine can be taken before or after meals. However, you should take the drug with food or after eating to prevent stomach pain.
Swallow the codeine tablets or capsules whole, do not bite or split the medicine. If you are going to take codeine in the form of a syrup, shake the medicine first and then use a measuring device so that the dosage of the medicine you take is right.
If you forget to take codeine, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption time is not too close. If the interval between the next dose is near, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
If you are prescribed codeine long-term, do not stop using codeine suddenly. Stopping using it suddenly increases the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms. Usually, the doctor will reduce the dose prescribed gradually until the use of the drug can be safely stopped.
Store codeine in a closed container in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Codeine Interactions with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions can occur if codeine is used with certain drugs, including:
- Decreased therapeutic effect of domperidone, metoclopramide, or cisapride
- Increased levels of codeine in the blood when used with cimetidine
- Increased risk of severe constipation if used with anticholinergic drugs or antidiarrheal drugs
- Increased risk of developing central nervous system depression or respiratory depression (hypoventilation) if used with benzodiazepines, anesthetics, antihistamines, or sodium oxybate
- Increased risk of central system depression or vice versa if used with monoamine oxidase inhibitor(MAOI)
Codeine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after consuming codeine, namely:
- Stomach ache
- Difficulty urinating
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dizziness, headache, or vertigo
- dry mouth
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Difficulty breathing or breathing stops suddenly during sleep
- Confusion, restlessness, inappropriate behavior, or hallucinations
- Very severe dizziness or convulsions
- A mood that can be very happy or very sad
- Slow or weak heart rate
- Serotonin syndrome which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever, restlessness, shaking, fever, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, or loss of coordination