Get Informed: Codeine
Active Ingredient(s)
Codeine
What does it do?
This product is primarily used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is a narcotic that binds to the opioid receptors of the central nervous system.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 12:13 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-19 9:03 PM
Other Names
- Codeine
- Codeinum
- Codeine Phosphate
- Codeine Hydrochloride
- Galcodine
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- N/A
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Est US Patients*
- 262,600
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Codeine or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Other Resources
Codeine Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Codeine interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Codeine used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 1,700 patients that use Codeine (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Back/Neck Pain | 33% | 
|
| Pain-Generalized | 33% | 
|
| Diarrhea | 11% | 
|
| Migraine/Headache | 11% |
|
| Cough | 11% | 
|
| Irregular/Painful Periods | 11% |
|
How well does Codeine work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 1,700 users taking Codeine (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 77%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Codeine outweigh the bad things.
- 11%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Codeine.
Common Side Effects of Codeine
iGuard regularly polls our more than 1,700 users taking Codeine (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
56% of patients experience side-effects on Codeine
11% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Codeine
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Drowsiness
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
Constipation
-
= 10%
Global Patient Feedback for Codeine ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking a mixture of codeine and phenargan for a cough related to upper resperatory infection. I also take melatonin to help me sleep and now I want to take 5-HTP for depression. I also take lorazepam. Can anyone tell me what "not" to take or how to juggle these things so I can get the benefit without the worry?
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-04 20:11:36
iGuard Answer/Reply:
All of the drugs and supplements mentioned above will increase drowsiness and possibly interfere with your breathing capabilities. You should consult your primary treating doctor and determine which agents, dose and schedule is necessary and safe for you.
Posted: 2010-01-05 22:10:58
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Codeine Sulfate (60mg) four times a day for over a year to control Diarrhea and it has worked wonders for me. I have had Crohns for over 30 years and due to the fact that most of my small bowel has been removed I had diarrea very bad and this drug has almost stopped this problem. I know that it is addictive but without this drug my life was not good at all. The only problem I have now is finding an insurance that will pay for it.
71 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-06-02 11:59:32
Question/Comment:
I was given codeine for bowel problems and as a nice side effect it helped my other pains. I have no problems with it at all. i dont take as much as the doctor first wanted me to, I only take 15mg when i need to. I had heard it can be addictive but I suppose im on such a low dose that doesnt affect me.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-10 13:28:05
Question/Comment:
In Australia l take Codeine Forte which is Codeine 30mg mixed in with Panadol 500mg and you can only get it in a script from your Dr but l only take it for break through pain!
In Australia we call it Panadeine Forte and it's really quite addictive, although l have kicked it before, l am using it to try and get off the Morphine that l take twice daily for my pain until l get my surgery but it does tend to give bad constipation so you are then forced to take another tablet in order to keep the constipation under control?
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2008-11-18 18:49:32
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Codeine