codeine
Brand names: Codeine sulfate
# Codeine: What You Need to Know Codeine is a pain reliever medicine that doctors prescribe to help people feel better when they have mild to moderate pain. It works by changing how your body feels and responds to pain. Some doctors also use codeine in cough medicines to help reduce coughing. This medicine is strong and can be very helpful, but it needs to be used carefully and only as your doctor tells you to use it. There are some important safety things to know about codeine. First, codeine can be habit-forming, which means your body might become dependent on it if you take it for too long. Never take more than your doctor prescribes, and tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with drugs or alcohol. Also, be careful if you're taking other medicines, because some drugs don't work well with codeine and can make it more dangerous. You should always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine you take. Common side effects include feeling drowsy, dizzy, or constipated. Never drive or operate machinery after taking codeine until you know how it affects you. If you have questions about whether codeine is right for you, always ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Known Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Codeine Sulfate Tablets. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Codeine Sulfate Tablets Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of Codeine Sulfate Tablets with CYP3A4 inhibitors, may result in an increase in codeine plasma concentrations with subsequently greater metabolism by cytochrome CYP2D6, resulting in greater morphine levels, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of Codeine Sulfate Tablets is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, it may result in lower codeine levels, greater norcodeine levels, and less metabolism via CYP2D6 with resultant lower morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawa
Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA
Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DEPENDENCE6,571 reports
- OVERDOSE2,521 reports
- PAIN2,464 reports
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE2,297 reports
- FATIGUE2,251 reports
- ARTHRALGIA2,186 reports
- RASH1,866 reports
- DYSPNOEA1,809 reports
- DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY1,782 reports
- OFF LABEL USE1,778 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with codeine:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.