Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Codeine phosphate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Codeine phosphate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for This medicine has been prescribed for you to relieve pain, suppress coughs or treat diarrhoea. It contains codeine which belongs to a class of medicines called opioids, which are 'pain relievers'. This medicine has been prescribed to you and should not be given to anyone else. Opioids can cause addiction and you may get withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Your prescriber should have explained how long you will be taking it for and when it is appropriate to stop, how to do this safely. Codeine can be used in children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of moderate pain that is not relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. 2. Before you take Codeine Phosphate Tablets Tolerance, dependence, and addiction This medicine contains codeine which is an opioid medicine. It can cause dependence and/or addiction. Repeated use of opioids can result in the drug being less effective (you become accustomed to it, known as tolerance). Repeated use of Codeine Phosphate Tablets can also lead to dependence, abuse and addiction, which may result in life-threatening overdose. The risk of these side effects can increase with a higher dose and longer duration of use. Dependence or addiction can make you feel that you are no longer in control of how much medicine you need to take or how often you need to take it. The risk of becoming dependent or addicted varies from person to person. You may have a greater risk of becoming dependent on or addicted to Codeine Phosphate Tablets if:

  • You or anyone in your family have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or illegal drugs ("addiction")
  • You are a smoker
  • You have ever had problems with your mood (depression, anxiety, or a personality disorder) or have been treated by a psychiatrist for other mental illnesses. If you notice any of the following signs whilst taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets, it could be a sign that you have become dependent or addicted:
  • You need to take the medicine for longer than advised by your doctor
  • You need to take more than the recommended dose
  • You might feel that you need to carry on taking your medicine, even when it doesn't help to relieve your pain or cough
  • You are using the medicine for reasons other than prescribed, for instance, 'to stay calm' or 'help you sleep'
  • You have made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit or control the use of the medicine
  • When you stop taking the medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once taking the medicine again ('withdrawal effects'). If you notice any of these signs, speak to your doctor to discuss the best treatment pathway for you, including when it is appropriate to stop and how to stop safely (See section 3, If you stop taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets). Codeine Phosphate Tablets should not be given if you:
  • have ever had a reaction to or been told that you are allergic to codeine phosphate, any other opioid analgesic or any of the other ingredients in the tablets (see section 6)
  • have been told you have a tumour of the adrenal gland near your kidney called phaeochromocytoma
  • have severe problems with breathing
  • are pregnant or breast-feeding
  • have increased pressure on the brain, have just had a head injury or if you are unconscious
  • are suffering from acute alcoholism
  • are at risk from a blocked intestine
  • have severe stomach cramps caused by a condition known as biliary colic
  • are suffering from severe diarrhoea
  • for pain relief in children and adolescents (0-18 years of age) after removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
  • know that you metabolise very rapidly codeine into morphine Speak to your doctor before you take Codeine Phosphate Tablets if you:
  • are using drugs or have used drugs in the past as taking codeine phosphate for a long time can lead to addiction
  • are taking or have taken within the last two weeks, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide, or phenelzine used in the treatment of depression
  • suffer from asthma (your doctor may decide to administer Codeine Phosphate Tablets if your asthma is controlled. However, you should not be given this medicine if you are having an acute asthma attack)
  • suffer from bronchitis (an inflammation of

the lining of the tubes in the lungs, resulting in coughing spells accompanied by thick phlegm and breathlessness) or emphysema (a lung condition which leaves you struggling for breath)

  • suffer from cor-pulmonale (a type of heart failure)
  • are severely obese
  • have a severely deformed spine
  • are suffering from mental illness brought on by an infection
  • have liver problems
  • have kidney problems
  • have problems with your bile duct
  • suffer from an enlarged prostate gland (in men) or have difficulty passing urine
  • have an under-active thyroid or adrenal gland
  • have low blood pressure
  • are in a state of severe shock
  • are very run down
  • have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or a blockage in the bowel muscles
  • suffer from convulsions (fits)
  • are a child or elderly
  • are feeling weak and feeble
  • have 'myasthenia gravis' (tiredness and weakness of some of your muscles e.g. eyes, mouth and throat muscles)
  • are a poor metaboliser of codeine If any of the above apply to you, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before you take Codeine Phosphate Tablets. Contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. Warnings and precautions Codeine is transformed to morphine in the liver by an enzyme. Morphine is the substance that produces pain relief. Some people have a variation of this enzyme and this can affect people in different ways. In some people, morphine is not produced or produced in very small quantities, and it will not provide enough pain relief. Other people are more likely to get serious side effects because a very high amount of morphine is produced. If you notice any of the following side effects, you must stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical advice: slow or shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness, small pupils, feeling or being sick, constipation, lack of appetite. Sleep-related breathing disorders Codeine Phosphate Tablets can cause sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea (breathing pauses during sleep) and sleep related hypoxemia (low oxygen level in the blood). The symptoms can include breathing pauses during sleep, night awakening due to shortness of breath, difficulties to maintain sleep or excessive drowsiness during the day. If you or another person observe these symptoms, contact your doctor. A dose reduction may be considered by your doctor. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets:
  • You experience pain or increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia) which does not respond to a higher dosage of your medicine. Contact your doctor if you experience severe upper abdominal pain possibly radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting or fever as this could be symptoms associated with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and the biliary tract system. Children and adolescents Use in children and adolescents after surgery Codeine should not be used for pain relief in children and adolescents after removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome. Use in children with breathing problems Codeine is not recommended in children with breathing problems, since the symptoms of morphine toxicity may be worse in these children. Taking other medicines It is very important that you inform your doctor if you are taking or have taken any other medicines, as some medicines may affect the way Codeine Phosphate Tablets work. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide or phenelzine used in the treatment of depression. You must also tell your doctor if you have stopped taking any of these or related medicines in the last two weeks
  • tricyclic antidepressants, which are used in the treatment of depression
  • tranquillising drugs or sleeping tablets such as diazepam, nitrazepam and temazepam
  • medicines used to treat mental illnesses, including schizophrenia (e.g. chlorpromazine, haloperidol)
  • medicines used for diarrhoea (e.g. loperamide, kaolin)
  • medicines which are used as premedication before operations and after heart attacks such as atropine
  • anaesthetics, particularly general anaesthetics (used in surgery to numb pain)
  • antihistamines such as benadryl (used to treat allergies e.g. hayfever)
  • sodium oxybate (used to treat narcolepsy)
  • medicines used to treat nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide or Domperidone
  • mexiletine or quinidine, used to control heart rhythm
  • cimetidine, used to treat stomach ulcers and indigestion
  • ritonavir, used to treat HIV (a viral infection)
  • gabapentin or pregabalin to treat epilepsy or pain due to nerve problems (neuropathic pain). Food and drink and Codeine Phosphate Tablets You should not drink alcohol whilst you are taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets, as they will increase its effects. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of codeine phosphate and make you very sleepy. Pregnancy and breast-feeding You should not be given codeine if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant unless you have discussed this with your doctor first. If you are given codeine during pregnancy and become dependent on it, there is a risk that the new-born baby may also be dependent and suffer from withdrawal symptoms following delivery. If you are given codeine during labour there is a risk that you could be sick and have breathing difficulties, or the baby could have difficulty starting breathing. Do not take codeine while you are breastfeeding. Codeine and morphine passes into breast milk. Driving and using machines You may feel drowsy and confused and you may develop blurred or double vision when you are taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets, so you should not drive or operate machinery. 108392/3

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Codeine Phosphate 15mg & 30mg – 28 Tablets Wockhardt UK FP3213; FP3214 Daman (Bhimpore) (w)148 x (h)498mm 2876 229278 (SAP code of previous version: 227530) 9 pt. Codeine_Bhimpore_Leaflet_108392-3.ai Adobe Illustrator CS6 Myriad Pro Regular / Bold 3rd & 5th March, 2026 R 1st PDF sent on – 9TH MARCH 2026 R 2nd PDF sent on – 11TH MARCH 2026

CHANGE CONTROL : Version changes due to change in: Size/Layout Regulatory Non-Regulatory Changes in detail: • New text • Pharmacode shifted on the 6th panel

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6. Further information What Codeine Phosphate Tablets contain The active ingredient in Codeine Phosphate Tablets is Codeine Phosphate. The tablets contain 15mg or 30mg of the active ingredient. Other ingredients are lactose, acacia spray-dried, maize starch, magnesium stearate and stearic acid. What Codeine Phosphate Tablets looks like and contents of the pack Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets are white circular tablets marked C15 on one face and CP on the other. Codeine Phosphate 30mg Tablets are white circular tablets marked C30 on one face and CP on the other. Codeine Phosphate 15mg and 30mg Tablets are available in blister packs of 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90 and 100 tablets. Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets are available in 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100, 250 and 500 tablets in polypropylene/polyethylene containers. Codeine Phosphate 30mg Tablets are available in 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100, 250, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 tablets in polypropylene/polyethylene containers. Codeine Phosphate 30mg Tablets are available in 100 tablets in amber glass bottles. Not all strengths and pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder in UK: Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham LL13 9UF, UK. Manufacturer: CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. Other formats: To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK Only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name Reference number Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets 29831/0048 Codeine Phosphate 30mg Tablets 29831/0049 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind This leaflet was last revised in 03/2026.

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4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, codeine can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience the following serious side effect:

  • a severe allergic reaction (allergic reactions include mild symptoms such as itching and/or rash. More severe symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat with difficulty in swallowing or breathing). If you suffer such a reaction, you should not be given any more codeine. Your doctor will decide on the appropriate treatment for allergic reactions. Difficulty in breathing and physical and psychological dependence are possible serious side effects. It is possible that you could become dependent on codeine. Side effects that are common include:
  • drowsiness
  • feeling sick or being sick
  • constipation
  • sweating. Apart from constipation, these side effects tend to disappear with time.

Possible side effects

that are less common include:

  • dizziness
  • feeling faint on standing up
  • small pupils (in the eye)
  • blurred vision
  • double vision or other changes in vision
  • mental clouding or confusion
  • mood changes such as depression and sadness
  • feeling extremely happy for no particular reason
  • imagining things (hallucinations)
  • nightmares
  • headache
  • vertigo (a feeling of dizziness or being lightheaded)
  • facial flushing
  • difficulty breathing
  • stomach cramps
  • sweating
  • dry mouth
  • difficulty or pain in passing urine
  • passing less urine than usual
  • biliary spasm (causing pain in the right side of your abdomen, particularly after eating a meal, which may spread towards your right shoulder)
  • palpitations (trembling, shaking, irregular heart beats)
  • increased pressure within your head (raised intracranial pressure)

How to store it

Codeine Phosphate Tablets Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package or container in which they were given to you in order to protect from light. Do not transfer them to another container. Store this medicine in a safe and secure storage space, where other people cannot access it. It can cause serious harm and be fatal to people when it has not been intended for them. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Codeine Phosphate Tablets if the tablets show signs of discolouration. Do not use Codeine Phosphate Tablets after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. REMEMBER this medicine is for YOU only. Never give it to anyone else. It may harm them, even if the symptoms are the same as yours. Unless your doctor tells you to, do not keep tablets that you no longer need. Give them back to the pharmacist. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

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Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Before starting treatment and regularly during treatment, your doctor will discuss with you what you may expect from using Codeine Phosphate Tablets, when and how long you need to take it, when to contact your doctor, and when you need to stop it (see also, If you stop taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets). The usual starting dose for adults and children aged 12 years or above for relief of mild to moderate pain is 30mg to 60mg every six hours, as needed. The usual adult starting dose for diarrhoea is 30mg, three or four times daily. No more than 240mg should be taken in 24 hours. In all cases, dosage will be reduced for elderly. Codeine Phosphate tablets should not be taken by children below the age of 12 years due to the risk of severe breathing problems. Codeine Phosphate Tablets are not recommended for the treatment of diarrhoea in children. You may need a reduced dose if you have kidney or liver problems. You may also be given a reduced dose if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above in the section headed 'Speak to your doctor before you take Codeine Phosphate Tablets if you:' Your doctor will decide the dose that is best for you. Always follow your doctor's instructions completely. Also, follow any special instructions or warnings that appear on the label that the pharmacist has put on the package. If you do not understand or are in any doubt, ask your pharmacist. Unless instructed differently, take your tablet(s) with a glass of water. If you have been given a blister pack, to obtain a tablet, press on the tablet from the blister (or bubble) pushing it through the foil. Do not remove the tablet from the blister until you are ready to take it. This medicine should not be taken for more than 3 days. If the pain does not improve after 3 days, talk to your doctor for advice. Codeine Phosphate Tablets should be used for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. If no effective pain relief is achieved while taking this medicine, you should seek the advice of a physician If you miss a dose of Codeine Phosphate Tablets You should continue to take your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you forget a dose, take another as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then do not take the missed dose at all. NEVER double the next dose to make up for the one missed. Do not stop taking the medicine without telling your doctor first. If you stop taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. If you want to stop taking this medicine, discuss this with your prescriber first. They will tell you how to do this, usually by reducing the dose gradually so that any unpleasant withdrawal effects are kept to a minimum. Withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, shaking, shivering or sweating may occur if you suddenly stop taking this medicine. Pregnancy Do not take Codeine Phosphate Tablets if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant unless you have discussed this with your prescriber and the benefits of treatment are considered to outweigh the potential harm to the baby. If you use Codeine Phosphate Tablets during pregnancy, your baby may become dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms after the birth which may need to be treated. Do not take Codeine Phosphate Tablets while you are breastfeeding as codeine passes into breast milk and will affect your baby.

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3. How Codeine Phosphate Tablets should be given

  • hyperglycaemia (abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood)
  • feeling unwell
  • feeling tired
  • hypothermia
  • fever
  • an enlarged spleen or swollen/enlarged lymph nodes
  • anorexia
  • uncontrolled muscle movements
  • restlessness
  • muscle rigidity
  • slower or faster pulse
  • skin rash
  • wheals or itching
  • reduced sexual drive or impotence after long term use. Unknown frequency: dependence and addiction (see section "How do I know if I am addicted?"). Symptoms associated with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and the biliary tract system (a problem affecting a valve in the intestines known as sphincter of Oddi dysfunction), e.g. severe upper abdominal pain possibly radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting or fever. Drug Withdrawal When you stop taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets, you may experience drug withdrawal symptoms, which include restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, shaking, shivering or sweating. How do I know if I am addicted? If you notice any of the following signs whilst taking Codeine Phosphate Tablets, it could be a sign that you have become addicted.
  • You need to take the medicine for longer than advised by your prescriber
  • You feel you need to use more than the recommended dose
  • You are using the medicine for reasons other than prescribed
  • When you stop taking the medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once taking the medicine again. If you notice any of these signs, it is important you talk to your prescriber. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

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This medicine can affect your ability to drive. Do not drive whilst taking this medicine until you know how this medicine affects you. It may be an offence to drive if your ability to drive safely is affected. There is further information for patients who are intending to drive in Great Britain – go to https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law

Frequently asked questions about Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets

How do I take Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets?

Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets comes as tablet containing 15mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets?

The active substance in Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets is codeine phosphate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Codeine Phosphate Tablets BP 15mg, Codeine phosphate 15mg Tablets. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Codeine Phosphate 15mg Tablets without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Codeine phosphate (30 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Codeine is indicated in patients older than 12 years of age for the treatment of acute moderate pain which is not considered to be relieved by other analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (alone).

Dry or painful cough

Diarrhoea

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Oral route

Treatment goals and discontinuation

Before initiating treatment with codeine, a treatment strategy including treatment duration and treatment goals, and a plan for end of the treatment, should be agreed together with the patient, in accordance with pain management guidelines. During treatment, there should be frequent contact between the physician and the patient to evaluate the need for continued treatment, consider discontinuation and to adjust dosages if needed. When a patient no longer requires therapy with codeine, it may be advisable to taper the dose gradually to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. In absence of adequate pain control, the possibility of hyperalgesia, tolerance and progression of underlying disease should be considered (see section 4.4).

Duration of treatment

The duration of treatment should be as short as possible, and if no effective pain relief is achieved the patient/carers should be advised to seek the views of a healthcare professional.

For Mild to Moderate Pain

Adults:

Codeine should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time. This dose may be taken, up to 4 times a day at intervals of not less than 6 hours. Maximum daily dose of codeine should not exceed 240 mg.

The duration of treatment should be limited to 3 days and if no effective pain relief is achieved the patients/carers should be advised to seek the views of a physician..

Paediatric population:

Children aged 12 years to 18 years:

The recommended codeine dose for children 12 years and older should be 30-60mg every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum dose of codeine of 240 mg daily. The dose is based on the body weight (0.5-1mg/kg).

Children aged less than 12 years:

Codeine should not be used in children below the age of 12 years because of the risk of opioid toxicity due to the variable and unpredictable metabolism of codeine to morphine (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Elderly:

Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients.

For dry or painful cough

Adults:

15-30mg, 3-4 times daily

Children:

Not recommended

Elderly:

Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients

Diarrhoea

Adults:

30mg three to four times daily (range 15-60mg)

Children:

Not recommended

Elderly:

Dosage should be reduced in elderly patients

4.3. Contraindications

Acute respiratory depression, hypersensitivity to codeine or other opioid analgesics or to any of the excipients, obstructive airways disease, liver disease, severe hepatic dysfunction, acute alcoholism.

Use should be avoided in patients with raised intracranial pressure or head injury (in addition to the risk of respiratory depression and increased intracranial pressure, may affect pupillary and other responses vital for neurological assessment).

Codeine should not be given to comatose patients.

Codeine is also contraindicated in conditions where inhibition of peristalsis is to be avoided, where there is a risk of paralytic ileus, where abdominal distension develops, or in acute diarrhoeal conditions such as acute ulcerative colitis or antibiotic associated colitis (e.g. pseudomembranous colitis) or diarrhoea caused by poisoning.

Codeine is also contraindicated in the following:

In all paediatric patients (0-18 years of age) who undergo tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome due to an increased risk of developing serious and life-threatening adverse reactions (see section 4.4)

In women during breastfeeding (see section 4.6)

In patients for whom it is known they are CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolisers

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Use with caution or in reduced doses in asthma and decreased respiratory reserve, avoid use during an acute asthma attack (see 4.3 Contraindications). It should only be used with caution or in reduced dose in elderly patients or debilitated patients, or in patients with hypotension, hypothyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, adrenocortical insufficiency, inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders, urethral stricture, shock, convulsive disorders, myasthenia gravis. It should be avoided or the dose reduced in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (see 4.3 Contraindications, liver disease). Use with caution in those with a history of drug abuse. Discontinuation should be carried out gradually in patients who may have developed physical dependence, to avoid precipitating withdrawal symptoms.

CYP2D6 metabolism

Codeine is metabolised by the liver enzyme CYP2D6 into morphine, its active metabolite. If a patient has a deficiency or is completely lacking this enzyme an adequate analgesic effect will not be obtained. Estimates indicate that up to 7% of the Caucasian population may have this deficiency. However, if the patient is an extensive or ultra-rapid metaboliser there is an increased risk of developing side effects of opioid toxicity even at commonly prescribed doses. These patients convert codeine into morphine rapidly resulting in higher than expected serum morphine levels.

General symptoms of opioid toxicity include confusion, somnolence, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation and lack of appetite. In severe cases this may include symptoms of circulatory and respiratory depression, which may be life-threatening and very rarely fatal.

Estimates of prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolisers in different populations are summarized below:

Population

Prevalence %

African/Ethiopian

29%

African American

3.4% to 6.5%

Asian

1.2% to 2%

Caucasian

3.6% to 6.5%

Greek

6.0%

Hungarian

1.9%

Northern European

1%-2%

Post-operative use in children

There have been reports in the published literature that codeine given post-operatively in children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea, led to rare, but life-threatening adverse events including death (see also section 4.3). All children received doses of codeine that were within the appropriate dose range; however there was evidence that these children were either ultra-rapid or extensive metabolisers in their ability to metabolise codeine to morphine.

Children with compromised respiratory function

Codeine is not recommended for use in children in whom respiratory function might be compromised including neuromuscular disorders, severe cardiac or respiratory conditions, upper respiratory or lung infections, multiple trauma or extensive surgical procedures. These factors may worsen symptoms of morphine toxicity.

Hepatobiliary disorders

Codeine may cause dysfunction and spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, thus increasing the risk of biliary tract symptoms and pancreatitis. Therefore, codeine has to be administered with caution in patients with pancreatitis and diseases of the biliary tract.

Administration of pethidine and possibly other opioid analgesics to patients taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) has been associated with very severe and sometimes fatal reactions. If the use of codeine is considered essential then great care should be taken in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs (see section 4.5).

The risk-benefit of continued use should be assessed regularly by the prescriber.

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine as it contains lactose.

Tolerance and opioid use disorder (abuse and dependence)

Tolerance, physical and psychological dependence, and opioid use disorder (OUD) may develop upon repeated administration of opioids such as codeine. Repeated use of codeine can lead to OUD. A higher dose and longer duration of opioid treatment can increase the risk of developing OUD. Abuse or intentional misuse of codeine may result in overdose and/or death. The risk of developing OUD is increased in patients with a personal or a family history (parents or siblings) of substance use disorders (including alcohol use disorder), in current tobacco users or in patients with a personal history of other mental health disorders (e.g. major depression, anxiety and personality disorders).

The patient should be made aware of the risks and signs of OUD as set out in the package leaflet. If these signs occur, patients should contact their physician.

Before initiating treatment with codeine and during the treatment, treatment goals and a discontinuation plan should be agreed with the patient (see section 4.2). Before and during treatment the patient should also be informed about the risks and signs of OUD. If these signs occur, patients should contact their physician.

For patients who experience signs and symptoms of OUD, and/or exibit drug seeking behaviours, review of concomitant opioids and psycho-active drugs (like benzodiazepines) and consultation with an addiction specialist may be required.

Patients will require monitoring for signs of drug-seeking behaviour (e.g. too early requests for refills). This includes the review of concomitant opioids and psycho-active drugs (like benzodiazepines). For patients with signs and symptoms of OUD, consultation with an addiction specialist should be considered.

Drug withdrawal syndrome

Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with codeine.

Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.

The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.

If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Hyperalgesia

As with other opioids, in case of insufficient pain control in response to an increased dose of codeine, the possibility of opioid-induced hyperalgesia should be considered. A dose reduction or treatment review may be indicated.

Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain.

This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.

Sleep-related breathing disorders

Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnoea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the total opioid dosage.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Alcohol: the hypotensive, sedative and respiratory depressive effects of alcohol may be enhanced.

Anaesthetics: concomitant administration of codeine and anaesthetics may cause increased CNS depression and/or respiratory depression and/or hypotension.

Anti-arrhythmics: codeine delays the absorption of mexiletine. The analgesic activity of codeine is likely to be significantly impaired by quinidine which impairs codeine metabolism.

Antidepressants: The depressant effects of opioid analgesics may be enhanced by tricyclic antidepressants.

MAOIs taken with pethidine have been associated with severe CNS excitation or depression (including hypertension or hypotension). Although this has not been documented with codeine, it is possible that a similar interaction may occur and therefore the use of codeine should be avoided while the patient is taking MAOIs and for 2 weeks after MAOI discontinuation.

Antihistamines: concomitant administration of codeine and antihistamines with sedative properties may cause increased CNS depression and/or respiratory depression and/or hypotension.

Antipsychotics: enhanced sedative and hypotensive effect.

Anxiolytics and hypnotics: enhanced sedative effect.

Domperidone and metoclopramide: codeine antagonises the effect of cisapride, metoclopramide and domperidone on gastrointestinal activity.

Sodium oxybate: concomitant administration of codeine and sodium oxybate may cause increased CNS depression and/or respiratory depression and/or hypotension.

Ulcer-healing drugs: Cimetidine may inhibit the metabolism of codeine resulting in increased plasma concentrations.

Interference with laboratory tests: Opioids may interfere with gastric emptying studies as they delay gastric emptying and with hepatobiliary imaging using technetium Tc 99m disofenin as opioid treatment may cause constriction of the sphincter of Oddi and increase biliary tract pressure.

Gabapentinoids: The concomitant use of codeine with gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) may result in respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, coma or death (see section 4.4).

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

As with all medications caution should be exercised during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. A possible association with respiratory and cardiac malformations has been reported following first trimester exposure to codeine.

Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate.

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.

Breast feeding

Administration to nursing women is not recommended as codeine may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.

If symptoms of opioid toxicity develop in either the mother or the infant, then all codeine containing medicines should be stopped and alternative non-opioid analgesics prescribed. In severe cases consideration should be given to prescribing naloxone to reverse these effects.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Codeine produces sedation and may also cause changes in vision, including blurred or double vision. If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery. The effects of alcohol are enhanced by opioid analgesics.

This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road of Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:

• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive

• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you

• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine.

• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:

o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and

o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and

o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely

4.8. Undesirable effects

Regular prolonged use of codeine is known to lead to addiction and tolerance. Symptoms of restlessness and irritability may result when treatment is then stopped.

Prolonged use of a painkiller for headaches can make them worse.

Tolerance and some of the most common side effects – drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting, and confusion – generally develops with long term use.

Immune system disorders: maculopapular rash has been seen as part of a hypersensitivity syndrome associated with oral codeine phosphate; fever, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy also occurred.

Endocrine disorders: hyperglycaemia.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders: anorexia.

Psychiatric disorders: mental depression, hallucinations and nightmares, restlessness, confusion, mood changes, euphoria and dysphoria. Frequency unknown: drug dependence (see section 4.4).

Nervous system disorders: convulsions (especially in infants and children), dizziness, drowsiness, headache (prolonged use of a painkiller for headaches can make them worse). Raised intracranial pressure may occur in some patients.

Eye disorders: blurred or double vision or other changes in vision. Miosis.

Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo

Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, palpitations and bradycardia.

Vascular disorders: postural hypotension, facial flushing. Large doses produce hypotension.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Dyspnoea. Large doses produce respiratory depression.

Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, stomach cramps, pancreatitis.

Hepatobiliary disorders: Biliary spasm (may be associated with altered liver enzyme values).

Frequency unknown: sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: allergic reactions such as skin rashes, urticaria, pruritus, sweating and facial oedema.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Uncontrolled muscle movements. Muscle rigidity may occur after high doses.

Renal and urinary disorders: difficulty with micturation, urinary retention, ureteric spasm, dysuria. An antidiuretic effect may also occur with codeine.

Reproductive system and breast disorders: sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, decreased potency. Decreased libido.

General disorders and administration site conditions: malaise, tiredness, hypothermia.

Uncommon: drug withdrawal syndrome.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Drug dependence

Repeated use of codeine can lead to drug dependence, even at therapeutic doses. The risk of drug dependence may vary depending on a patient's individual risk factors, dosage, and duration of opioid treatment (see section 4.4).

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

4.9. Overdose

Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.

The effects in overdosage will be potentiated by simultaneous ingestion of alcohol and psychotropic drugs.

Symptoms

Central nervous system depression, including respiratory depression, may develop but is unlikely to be severe unless other sedative agents have been co-ingested, including alcohol, or the overdose is very large. The triad of coma, pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression is considered indicative of opioid overdosage with dilation of the pupils occurring as hypoxia develops. Nausea and vomiting are common Other opioid overdose symptoms include hypothermia, confusion, convulsions, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, hypotension and tachycardia (possible but unlikely), nervousness or restlessness, excitement, hallucinations, bradycardia, circulatory failure, slow or troubled breathing, severe weakness, convulsions, especially in infants and children. Rhabdomyolysis, progressing to renal failure, has been reported in overdosage with opioids.

Management

This should include general symptomatic and supportive measures, including a clear airway and monitoring of vital signs until stable. Consider activated charcoal if an adult presents within one hour of ingestion of more than 350mg or a child more than 5mg/kg. In acute overdosage with respiratory depression or coma, the specific opioid antagonist naloxone is indicated using one of the recommended dose regimens– repeated doses may be required in a seriously poisoned patient as naloxone is a competitive antagonist with a short half life. Patients should be observed closely for at least four hours after ingestion, or eight hours if a sustained release preparation has been taken.

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