Description
Codeine Phosphate is a prescription opioid medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce cough, and occasionally to treat diarrhea. It belongs to a class of medications called opioid analgesics, which work by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Key Information:
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Generic Name: Codeine Phosphate
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Type: Opioid analgesic and antitussive (cough suppressant)
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Form: Tablets, capsules, oral solution, or syrup
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Common Strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg per tablet or dose
What It's Used For:
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Pain Relief
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For short-term management of mild to moderate pain (e.g., injury, dental pain, post-surgery).
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Often combined with paracetamol or ibuprofen for better effect (e.g., co-codamol).
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Cough Suppressant
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Reduces dry, irritating coughs by acting on the cough center in the brain.
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Occasionally Used For
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Treating diarrhea (off-label and not a primary use)
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How It Works:
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Codeine is converted in the liver into morphine, which binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
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This blocks pain signals and reduces the urge to cough.
Common Side Effects:
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Drowsiness
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Dizziness
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Nausea or vomiting
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Constipation
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Dry mouth
Serious Warnings:
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Can cause breathing problems, especially in children or those with lung conditions.
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Addiction, dependence, and tolerance can develop with long-term use.
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Should not be used in children under 12 or during breastfeeding.
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Avoid alcohol and other sedating drugs while taking codeine.
Important Advice:
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Take only as prescribed by your doctor.
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Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy.
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Store safely away from children to avoid accidental ingestion.
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Do not share this medicine with others.
Ingredients
1. Active Ingredient:
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Codeine Phosphate (usually as Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate)
– Common strengths: 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg per tablet
– This is the active opioid compound responsible for pain relief and cough suppression.
2. Inactive Ingredients (Excipients):
These may vary by brand or manufacturer but typically include:
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Lactose monohydrate – used as a filler or binder
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Maize starch or pregelatinized starch – helps tablet disintegrate in the body
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Povidone (PVP) – a binder to hold ingredients together
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Magnesium stearate – a lubricant to prevent ingredients from sticking during manufacture
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Talc – used as a flow agent or anti-caking agent
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Colloidal anhydrous silica – improves powder flow
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Stearic acid – lubricant in tablet formulation
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Gelatin – sometimes used in capsule form
⚠️ Allergy Information:
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Lactose: Present in many formulations — may not be suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
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Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) or ask a pharmacist for the exact list of ingredients, especially if you have known allergies or intolerances.
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