Codeine

(KOE deen)

Canadian Brand Names

Codeine Contin®

Mexican Brand Names

Coderit; Lertus CD; Tylex CD; Voltaren Forte

Pharmacologic Category

Analgesic, Opioid; Antitussive

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to codeine or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to stop coughing.

• This medicine is used to relieve pain.

• This medicine is used to treat diarrhea.

How does it work?

• Codeine binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. It decreases the feeling of pain and a person's response to pain.

• It affects the cough center in the brain.

• It slows movement through the gastrointestinal tract allowing more water to be reabsorbed.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you are taking quinidine, talk with healthcare provider. Codeine may not work as well.

• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Keep a diary of pain control.

• Bowel movements.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Poor pain control.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe constipation.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.



Created: 2006-10-13 11:39:08.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:11:50.0

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