What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a member of the Opioids class of medication which is used to treat and manage mild-to-moderate pain. Codeine is often used as a combined medication with acetaminophen, and a NSAID like ibuprofen to treat cough.

It belongs to a class of medications called opioid analgesics (pain medicine). These medications are approved for safe use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is sold and distributed outside the U.S. without an authorized license and can be purchased from any medical store without a doctor’s prescription.

Codeine is often used as a combined medication with acetaminophen or other NSAID drugs to treat mild to moderate pain in body parts. When combined with NSAIDs like salicylic acid, Codeine helps treat colds and coughs.

It is sold worldwide in various forms, such as tablets and cough. While opioids are very valuable agents for treating cough, it has higher risks of misuse, abuse, and addiction.

If you are suffering from any mild to severe pain, then you should immediately buy Codeine online from Native Pills right now.

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How Should I Use Codeine

Codeine is widely used to treat moderate to severe pain and sometimes acute or chronic cough. It is prescribed when other pain medicines do not work or cannot be tolerated. Codeine works by blocking the pain signals in the brain.

These medicines carry serious risks, including slowed or difficult breathing and death, which appear to be a greater risk in children and are not recommended for the use of children below 18 years of age.

According to ‘World Health Organization (WHO), Opioids are considered essential for adults. Medicines referring to this category or members of Opioids are made only for adult use, not for treating children.

The dose of these medicines may be different for patients according to their age and health conditions. Tell your doctor if your pain does not go away or gets worse. You may have developed tolerance, and your doctor may increase your dose so that it works effectively on your pain.

Dosing Information

Codeine comes in two forms: immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets. Immediate-release tablets are used for quick relief and short treatment, whereas extended-release tablets are used for a longer time and produce results over time.

If you are using Codeine for the treatment of any pain, your doctor may divide your doses into three sections according to its response and may increase or decrease your dose to manage the pain.

Please do not take it more often and in excess against your doctor’s prescription, and do not use it for the most extended period because the medicines are habit-forming and can make you addicted over time. Always follow your doctor’s prescription label as ordered.

Opioid medicines and tablets are meant for adults and are strictly prohibited from being used by children. If you forget to take a dose of Codeine, skip that dose, and take the next dose in its defined time slot, taking it repeatedly can cause some side effects.

For Adults Use –

It is recommended to take 15 – 16 mg of tablets after every 4 hours. Your doctor may increase or decrease your doses according to your response. Stay within the maximum dose of 360 mg a day.

For children Of Age 12 – 18 Age – 

Children who are under the age of 18 years should not be using this medication without a doctor’s prescription.

For Children Under 12 years of age –

Children under 12 should not use these medications without a doctor’s prescription. Otherwise, it can be dangerous to their health.

Codeine Side Effects

Codeine has a higher risk of abuse and misuse, and it is very addictive in nature. And when used in access or inadequate amounts, it can cause several health issues. Do not suddenly stop using opioids after using it for a long time, you may develop a severe reaction because your body becomes used to the medication.

If you experience any of the side effects of using Codeine, you must seek immediate consultation from your doctor to reduce the symptoms and to prevent any further side effects.

Overdose of Codeine can happen if you take too much of this medication, and it can also happen if it is taken with some other drugs or substances, like alcohol. You may have to experience the symptoms of overdose, such as trouble breathing, being tired, sleepy, or not being able to respond or wake up.

Some Common Side Effects Caused By Codeine Are –

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some More Serious Side Effects Of Using Codeine are –

• Insomnia
• Cold And Clammy Skin
• Fast Heartbeat
• Urinary RetentionItching
• Weak Pulse
• Low-Blood Pressure
• Xerostomia
• Sweating and
• CNS Depression
• Low adrenal gland function

Allergic Reactions Caused By Codeine Are – 

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling on face, lips, tongue, or throat

Things To Avoid While Using Codeine

• Breastfeeding mothers should not use these medications as they can cause various health issues to the newborn, like (respiratory issues, drowsiness, or even death of the nursing infant.

• Pregnant women should consult a doctor and take this medication if prescribed by your healthcare professional.

• Tell your doctor If you have an underactive thyroid, enlarged prostate, or urinary problem before starting the medication to prevent any health problems that you may later experience.

• Avoid using alcohol or other substances while taking these medications, and do not combine these medications with other medicines or drugs.

• Take Codeine with food or just after your meal or snack to ease the feeling of sickness.

Do not use Codeine if you have or had any history with –

• Sleep Apnea or breathing problem
• Liver or kidney disease
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• An abnormal spinal curvature affecting your breathing
• Low-blood pressure
• Tremors or Head injury
• Gallbladder or pancreatic disorder
• Underactive thyroid

Final Words

Codeinecan be life-threatening when overdosed or used in an inadequate amount, which can cause severe health problems and death. Prolonged use of this medicine can make you used to it and can develop dependency. You must use these medications with a doctor’s prescription to cure any type of moderate to severe pain, especially if you are dealing with sleep apnea or liver or kidney problems.
Overuse of these medications can cause many health problems and can severely affect or damage your kidney. Ask a physician about the benefits and risks of Codeine to prevent yourself from misusing it.