Codeine 30mg, an opioid analgesic. The medicine is highly effective for the treatment of mild to moderate pains caused by surgery, illness, or injuries. It is used by individuals who don’t experience pain relief after taking common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. The medicine reduces the intensity of pain experienced by the patient and improves patient comfort.

WHAT IS CODEINE?

Codeine 30mg belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics, which are used for the relief of pain of varying intensity. Codeine can be used on its own as a painkiller or sometimes used in combination with other painkillers such as paracetamol. Codeine is used for the relief of:

- Mild to moderate pain not relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen alone

- Symptoms of dry cough

- Diarrhoea

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Codeine is an opioid analgesic with a chemical structure similar to that of morphine. It is, however, much less potent as an analgesic than morphine and it causes mild sedation only. The medication binds to opioid receptors, which are present throughout the central nervous system, to produce analgesia, sedation, and a feeling of relaxation. Codeine is also used for the treatment of diarrhoea because of its ability to reduce intestinal motility.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE?

For the relief of pain, healthy adult individuals may take codeine in doses of 15mg to 30mg up to 4 times a day. The maximum recommended daily dose of codeine is 240 mg. For non-productive/dry cough, codeine can be taken in doses of 10mg to 20mg every 4 to 6 hours, with total daily dose not exceeding 120mg. For diarrhoea, 30mg to 60mg of codeine should be taken 3 to 4 times a day.

HOW TO USE CODEINE?

Codeine 60mg should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended not to stop taking the medication without prior consultation with your doctor as this may result in withdrawal symptoms. Codeine 60mg tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. It is recommended not to consume alcohol whilst taking codeine 60mg.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF CODEINE?

Codeine, when used in accordance with the recommended dosage, is a safe and effective medicine. However, there are some mild side effects associated with the use of codeine which have been listed here for the consumer’s benefit:

common side effects

- Drowsiness

- Infrequent bowel movements or constipation

- Abdominal cramps

- Induction of a relaxed easy state

- less common side effects

- Confusion

- Low blood pressure

- Rash

- Itching

- Dizziness

- Dry mouth

- Headache

- Feeling of weakness

- Loss of appetite

rare side effects

- Anxiousness

- Difficulty in sleeping

- Slow heartbeat

While side effects arising from the use of codeine are usually not experienced at normal doses, it is important that you immediately consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after using this medication.