Activates opioid receptors that naturally exist in your body, which have a number of effects on your body.

Like other opioids, it mimics the effect of natural opioids in your body.

Codeine works by being converted into morphine in the body.

Codeine increases tolerance to pain, decreasing discomfort, but the pain still is apparent to the patient. In addition to reducing pain, codeine also causes sedation drowsiness and depresses breathing. Codeine frequently is combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin for more effective pain relief.

Most widely used opiate in the world

Effective painkiller that is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. 

Take this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden (breakthrough) pain.

Do NOT increase your dose, take the medication more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

The most frequent side effects of codeine include:
*Lightheadedness
*Dizziness
*Nausea
*Vomiting
*Shortness of breath
*Sedation
*Allergic reactions
*Constipation
*Abdominal pain
*Rash
*Itching


Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious conditions occur:
*Life-threatening respiratory depression
*Severe low blood pressure
*Adrenal insufficiency

Drowsiness or dizziness which may impair reaction skills and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Accidental ingestion of codeine can result in fatal overdose.

Please consult your doctor/physician before considering alternatives and see if they are right for you.
*Oxymorphone
*Oxycodone
*Tramadol

NOTE: Stronger opioids are only recommended for more severe pain, while codeine is used for mild/moderate pain