What is Codeine?
Codeine is a prescription drug which is used for treating mild to moderate pain. It comes in the form of tablets. Codeine is sometimes available in the form of cough syrups for treating coughs. Codeine tablets are very strong and highly addictive drugs.
Codeine Uses
Codeine tablets are used for relieving mild to moderate pain. This medication is also used with the combination of other medicine for reducing cough. Codeine tablets will help in relieving symptoms but the medication won’t treat the cause of symptoms. It belongs to a class of medication called narcotic.
Codeine Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Codeine are:
- Agitations
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Change in vision
- Seizures
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Codeine if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Codeine side effects.
Precautions
Before using Codeine talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before using the medication talk to your doctor if you are having any of the medical history such as:
- Brain disorders
- Breathing problems
- Gall bladder disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Codeine can lead to drowsiness. Avoid consumption of alcohol while you are taking Codeine as it can lead to some serious side effects.
How to take Codeine?
Codeine comes in the form of tablets, capsules and liquid. This medication is usually taken in every4 to 6 hours. Follow the direction written on the prescription label carefully. If you are taking Codeine for several weeks then talk with your doctor once before stopping the consumption of the medicine.
The doctor may decrease the dosage gradually after seeing the result and effectiveness of the medicine. Shake the solution before each use of the liquid as mix the medication evenly.
Pain relievers work best if used when the first signs of pain appear. Do not increase the dose, use the medicine more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Stop taking the medicine correctly when instructed to do so.
If you have ongoing pain (for example, due to cancer), your doctor may direct you to take long-acting opioid medications as well. In that case, this medicine can be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only when needed.
Suddenly stopping this drug can cause withdrawal, especially if you've used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may reduce your dose slowly. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, mental / mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts), watery eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, or sudden muscle aches. changes in behavior.
Although it helps many people, this drug can sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as drug / alcohol abuse or addiction). Use this medicine exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of addiction.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Codeine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Codeine won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Interactions
Drug interactions can change the way Codeine works; it can increase the risk of serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Codeine consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Codeine rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Codeine.
Codeine vs Morphine
Codeine |
Morphine |
|---|---|
| Codeine is a prescription drug which is used for treating mild to moderate pain. It comes in the form of tablets. Codeine is sometimes available in the form of cough syrups for treating coughs. | Morphine extended-release tablets are used for relieving severe pain which cannot be controlled by other medicines. |
| Codeine tablets are used for relieving mild to moderate pain. This medication is also used with the combination of other medicine for reducing cough | Morphine is used for treating severe pain. The medication belongs to the class of drugs called opioid analgesics. |
Some of the common side effects of Codeine are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Morphine are:
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