How should I take codeine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Never take codeine in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the
directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as
well in relieving your pain.
Take each dose with a full
glass of
water.
Take codeine with food or milk if it upsets your
stomach.
Do not stop using codeine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
Store codeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this
medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since codeine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking
the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of codeine can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold
and clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops.
What should I avoid while taking codeine?
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. Dangerous side effects or
death can occur when alcohol is combined with codeine. Check your food and medicine labels to
be sure these products do not contain alcohol.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions.
Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What are the possible side effects of codeine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
-
feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or
behavior;
-
seizure (convulsions); or
-
problems with urination.
Less serious side effects include:
This list is not complete and other side effects may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect codeine?
Do not take codeine with other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers,
muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous
side effects may result.
There may be other drugs that can interact with codeine. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about codeine.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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