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Codeine: uses, side effects & brands
Codeine is a mild opioid for pain and cough, often combined with paracetamol. It belongs to the Opioid painkiller (strong) group. Opioids relieve moderate-to-severe pain but can cause dependence and slowed breathing, so they are used carefully and usually short-term.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Opioid painkiller (strong) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Mild to moderate pain, often combined with paracetamol
- Dry cough in some adults
- Short-term diarrhoea (less common use)
Common brand names
- India: Codeine (in combos), Corex (syrup)
- Worldwide: (codeine/co-codamol brands)
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Headache or dizziness
Before taking it — precautions
- Not for children under 12 or after tonsil or adenoid removal in children; avoid when breastfeeding
- Some people convert codeine to morphine very fast, risking overdose
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives; check for paracetamol in other medicines
When to see a doctor urgently
- Slow or shallow breathing, or extreme sleepiness (urgent)
- Breastfed baby very sleepy or feeding poorly (urgent)
- Confusion or pinpoint pupils (urgent)
Frequently asked questions
Why is codeine not given to young children?
Some children turn codeine into morphine too quickly, which has caused serious breathing problems and deaths.
Can codeine be addictive?
Yes. Use it for the shortest time possible and do not take more than prescribed.
Is it safe with paracetamol combinations?
Yes, but count all paracetamol from every product so you do not take too much.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.