Codeine is a painkiller. It is part of a group of medicines called opiates.
It can be used to treat pain. It is also used as cough syrup.
Important
Avoid using codeine products that are not prescribed by your GP. Other products work just as well and are less risky.
Taking too much codeine can be dangerous. It can lead to difficulty breathing, unconsciousness and other serious side effects. You can also become addicted to codeine.
Urgent advice: Talk to your GP or phone the HSE Drugs and Alcohol helpline if:
- you or someone you know is worried about codeine use or addiction
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Types of codeine
Types of codeine include:
- mixed codeine tablets
- cough syrup (linctus)
Mixed codeine tablets
Mixed codeine tablets are codeine mixed with:
- paracetamol and sometimes caffeine (for example, Solpadeine)
- ibuprofen (for example, Nurofen Plus)
Talk to your pharmacist if you have pain. They can give you advice. They may suggest other treatments to help your pain.
Do not take mixed codeine tablets for more than 3 days if they are not prescribed. Talk to your GP if the pain does not improve after 3 days.
Your GP may prescribe:
- stronger mixed codeine tablets - for moderate or more severe pain
- low-strength mixed codeine tablets - if you need them for longer than 3 days
Cough syrup (linctus)
Talk to your pharmacist if you have a cough. They can give you advice. They may suggest other treatments to help you cough less.
Codeine syrup is available as a cough syrup. Brand names include Codinex.
Get advice from a pharmacist if you want to buy codeine syrup without a prescription.
Do not take codeine cough syrup for more than 3 days. Talk to your GP if the cough does not improve after 3 days.
How codeine works
Codeine works in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It blocks pain signals to the rest of the body. It also reduces the anxiety and stress caused by pain.
How long codeine takes to work
Codeine works in about 30 to 60 minutes. It stops working after a few hours.