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AHFS Consumer Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2000-2011.

AHFS Consumer Medication Information [Internet].

Codeine(koe' deen)

Last Revision: October 15, 2011.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Codeine is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also used, usually in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing. Combination products that contain codeine and promethazine should not be used in children younger than 16 years of age. Codeine will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to treat pain, it works by changing the way the body senses pain. When codeine is used to reduce coughing, it works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

Codeine is also available in combination with acetaminophen (Capital and Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine); aspirin; and in many cough and cold medications. This monograph only includes information about the use of codeine. If you are taking a codeine combination product, be sure to read information about all the ingredients in the product you are taking and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Codeine (alone or in combination with other medications) comes as a tablet, a capsule, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take codeine exactly as directed.

Codeine can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the solution well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring cup or spoon that came with the medication or use a spoon that is made especially for measuring medication.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking codeine,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to codeine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the codeine product you plan to take. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; medications for anxiety, mental illness, nausea, or seizures; monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate); sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

  • tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol and if you have had recent abdominal or urinary tract surgery. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a head injury; a brain tumor; any condition causing increased pressure in your brain; seizures; mental illness; lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, a group of diseases that cause gradual loss of lung function), or other breathing problems; prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of a male reproductive gland); urinary problems; low blood pressure; Addison's disease (condition in which the body does not make enough of certain natural substances); allergies; or thyroid, pancreatic, intestinal, gallbladder, liver, or kidney disease.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking codeine, call your doctor.

  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Some women who take codeine may have increased amounts of the medication in their breast milk, which can cause serious or life-threatening side effects in their breast-fed babies. Call your doctor immediately if you become very sleepy and have difficulty caring for your baby. You should also call your baby's doctor or get emergency help if your baby is sleepier than usual, has trouble breast-feeding or breathing, or becomes limp.

  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking codeine.

  • you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. If you are giving codeine to a child, watch the child to be sure he or she does not get hurt while riding a bike or participating in other activities that could be dangerous.

  • talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of codeine worse.

  • you should know that codeine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking codeine. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.

  • you should know that codeine may cause constipation. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet and using other medications to treat or prevent constipation.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Codeine is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take codeine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Codeine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • dizziness

  • lightheadedness

  • headache

  • drowsiness

  • mood changes

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • constipation

  • stomach pain

  • difficulty urinating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

  • rash

  • itching

  • hives

  • changes in vision

  • seizures

Codeine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • difficulty breathing

  • excessive drowsiness

  • loss of consciousness

  • loss of muscle tone

  • cold and clammy skin

  • fainting

  • dizziness

  • slow heartbeat

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking codeine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

The following brand names are from RxNorm, a standardized nomenclature for clinical drugs produced by the National Library of Medicine:

Brand names of combination products

  • Actifed with Codeine (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Airacof (containing Codeine, Diphenhydramine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Ala-Hist AC (containing Codeine and Phenylephrine)

  • Allerfrin with Codeine (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Allfen CD (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Allfen CDX (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Alphen (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Ambenyl (containing Codeine and bromodiphenhydramine)

  • Ambifed CD (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Ambifed CDX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Ambifed-G CD (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Ambifed-G CDX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Ambophen (containing Codeine and bromodiphenhydramine)

  • Aprodine with Codeine (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Ascomp with Codeine (containing Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine, and butalbital)

  • Biotussin (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Bitex (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Bromanate DC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Bromanyl (containing Codeine and bromodiphenhydramine)

  • Bromotuss with Codeine (containing Codeine and bromodiphenhydramine)

  • Bromphen DC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Bron-Tuss (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Brontex 10/100 (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Brontex 10/300 (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Brontex 2.5/75 (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • BroveX CB (containing Brompheniramine and Codeine)

  • BroveX CBX (containing Brompheniramine and Codeine)

  • Brovex PBC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Brovex PBCX (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • C Tussin (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Calcidrine (containing Codeine and anhydrous calcium iodide)

  • Capital and Codeine (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Chemdal Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Cheracol with Codeine (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Cheratussin (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Cheratussin DAC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Co-Histine (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Co-Histine DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Cocet 650/30 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Cocet 650/60 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Codafed (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Codafen (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Codahistine (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Codahistine DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Codar AR (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Codar D (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Codar GF (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Codegest (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Codehist DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Codeprex (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Codimal PH (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Pyrilamine)

  • Codrix 500/15 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Codrix 500/30 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Codrix 500/60 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Colrex (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Combiflex ES (containing Acetaminophen, Codeine, Magnesium Salicylate, and phenyltoloxamine)

  • Conex (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Cophene-X-P (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Cotab A (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Cotab AX (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Cotabflu (containing Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, and Codeine)

  • Cycofed (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Cycofed Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Cyndal (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Decohistine (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Decohistine DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Deconsal C (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Demi-Cof (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Potassium Iodide)

  • Deproist (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Dex-Tuss (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Diabetic Tus with Codeine (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Diabetic Tussin C (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Dicomal-PH (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Pyrilamine)

  • Dihistine (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Dihistine DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Dimetane DC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Duraganidin NR (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • EZ III (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Efasin Expectorant SF (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Empirin with Codeine (containing Aspirin and Codeine)

  • Endal CD (containing Codeine, Diphenhydramine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Endal Cough (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Endal Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Enditussin Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Endotuss (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • ExeClear-C (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Fioricet with Codeine (containing Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, and butalbital)

  • Fiorinal with Codeine (containing Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine, and butalbital)

  • Fiortal with Codeine (containing Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine, and butalbital)

  • Gencofed (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Gencofed Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Giltuss Ped-C (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylephrine)

  • Glydeine (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Gua PC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Guai-Co (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Guaiatussin DAC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Guaifen AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Guaifen C (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Guiatuss AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Guiatuss DAC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Halotussin AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Halotussin DAC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Iophen (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • KG-Fed (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • KG-Fed Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Liquihistine CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Lortuss EX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • M-Clear WC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • M-End Max D (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and dexbrompheniramine)

  • M-End PE (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • M-End WC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • M-Phen (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Promethazine)

  • Mar-cof BP (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Mar-cof CG (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Margesic #3 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Maxifed CD (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Maxifed CDX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Maxifed-G CD (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Maxifed-G CDX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Maxiflu (containing Acetaminophen, Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Maxiphen CD (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylephrine)

  • Maxiphen CDX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylephrine)

  • Medent C (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Myphetane DC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Mytussin AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Mytussin DAC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Naldecon CX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Nalex AC (containing Brompheniramine and Codeine)

  • Nasotuss (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and chlorcyclizine)

  • Neo AC (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Pyrilamine)

  • Notuss AC (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Notuss DC (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Notuss PE (containing Codeine and Phenylephrine)

  • Notuss-NX (containing Codeine and chlorcyclizine)

  • Notuss-NXD (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and chlorcyclizine)

  • Novadyne DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Novadyne Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Novagest (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Novahistine Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Nucochem (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Nucodine (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Nucodine Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Nucofed (containing Codeine and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Nucofed Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Nucotuss (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Pediacof (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Potassium Iodide)

  • Pedituss (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Potassium Iodide)

  • Pentazine VC (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Promethazine)

  • Pentazine with Codeine (containing Codeine and Promethazine)

  • Phenaphen with Codeine #3 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Phenaphen with Codeine #4 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Phenco-Care (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Phenergan VC with Codeine (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Promethazine)

  • Phenergan with Codeine (containing Codeine and Promethazine)

  • Phenflu (containing Acetaminophen, Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylephrine)

  • Phenhist (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Phenhist DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Phenylhistine DH (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Phenylhistine Expectorant (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Phrenilin with Caffeine and Codeine (containing Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, and butalbital)

  • Pluratuss (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Poly CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Poly Hist NC (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Poly-Histine CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Poly-Tussin AC (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Polytine CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Pseudodine C (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Pyregesic (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Quindal 10/100/12.5 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Quindal 10/200/12.5 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Relcof C (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Rid-A-Pain (containing Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine, and salicylamide)

  • Robafen AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Robichem AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Robitussin AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Robitussin DAC (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Rolatuss (containing Ammonium Chloride, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • Romilar AC (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Ryna C (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Ryna CX (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Soma Compound with Codeine (containing Aspirin, Carisoprodol, and Codeine)

  • Statuss (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Statuss Green Reformulated Jan 2012 (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and chlorcyclizine)

  • Sudatuss 2 DF (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Sudatuss SF (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Suttar (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • T Koff (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • TL-Hist CD (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylephrine)

  • TL-Hist CM (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Triacin C (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Triafed & Codeine (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Triaminic Expectorant with Codeine (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Trifed C (containing Codeine, Pseudoephedrine, and Triprolidine)

  • Trihist CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Tusnel C (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin)

  • Tussar (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Tusshistine CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Tussi Organidin 10/100 (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Tussi Organidin 10/300 (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Tussi-Organidin-S NR (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Tussiden C (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Tussirex (containing Caffeine, Codeine, Pheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Salicylic Acid)

  • Tusso C (containing Codeine and Guaifenesin)

  • Tylagesic (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Tylenol with Codeine #2 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Tylenol with Codeine #3 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Tylenol with Codeine #4 (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Tylenol with Codeine (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Uni-Multihist CS (containing Brompheniramine, Codeine, and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Vanacof (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and dexchlorpheniramine)

  • Vopac (containing Acetaminophen and Codeine)

  • Z Tuss AC (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Z-Tuss E (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl AC 25 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl AC 30 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl AC 35 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl AC 40 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl AC 50 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl AC 60 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl AC 80 (containing Chlorpheniramine and Codeine)

  • Zodryl DAC 25 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DAC 30 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DAC 35 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DAC 40 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DAC 50 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DAC 60 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DAC 80 (containing Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 25 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 30 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 35 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 40 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 50 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 60 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zodryl DEC 80 (containing Codeine, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine)

  • Zotex C (containing Codeine, Phenylephrine, and Pyrilamine)

What works?

  • Single dose oral paracetamol (acetaminophen) plus codeine for postoperative pain relief in adults Single dose oral paracetamol (acetaminophen) plus codeine for postoperative pain relief in adults
    Pain is commonly experienced after surgical procedures, and is not always well controlled. Combining analgesics from different classes has the potential to provide adequate pain relief with reduced dose‐dependent adverse events. This review assessed data from twenty‐six studies comparing paracetamol plus codeine with placebo, and fourteen studies comparing paracetamol plus codeine with the same dose of paracetamol alone. The combination provided effective pain relief for about 40% of participants experiencing moderate to severe pain after an operation with 600 to 650 mg paracetamol plus 60 mg codeine, the dose most commonly used in these studies, and about 50% of participants with 800 to 1000 mg paracetamol plus 60 mg codeine, the dose most commonly used in clinical practice. The addition of codeine provided effective pain relief to about 10% more participants than the same dose of paracetamol alone. These single dose studies did not associate paracetamol plus codeine with any serious side effects.
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