Codeine oral solution
Codeine oral solution
What is this medicine?
CODEINE (KOE deen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not for use in children less than 12 years of age. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years of age after surgery to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
cold, clammy skin
confusion
fast or slow heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
seizures
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
drowsiness
dry mouth
nausea, vomiting
pinpoint pupils
sweating
What may interact with this medicine?
alcohol
antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
antiviral medicines used for HIV or AIDS
atropine
certain antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, propafenone, quinidine
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medicines for sleep
certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
certain medicines used for nausea like dronabinol, droperidol, nabilone
ipratropium
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
medicines for anesthesia
muscle relaxants
naltrexone
narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain
phenobarbital
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
rifampin
tramadol
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and is against the law.
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
brain tumor
drug abuse or addiction
head injury
heart disease
frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
liver disease
lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
an unusual or allergic reaction to codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Children may be at higher risk for side effects. If your child has slow breathing, noisy breathing, confusion, or unusual sleepiness, stop giving this medicine and get medical help right away.
There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain. If you take more than one type at the same time, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Updated:  
February 04, 2018