Follow your GP or pharmacist’s instructions about how to take codeine. This is important because codeine can be addictive.
Codeine comes as a cough syrup and as a combination or mixed tablet with other painkillers.
You can usually take a dose of codeine 3 or 4 times a day, if needed. Keep to the maximum daily dose detailed on the medicine package, label and leaflet.
Changes to your dose
If you get side effects from taking codeine, your GP may lower your dose.
If your symptoms do not go away, your doctor may increase your dose or prescribe a different medicine.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP if:
- your pain or cough does not get better after 3 days
- side effects bother you or do not go away
How to take codeine
If you are taking tablets, swallow them whole with a drink of water. Take it with or just after a meal or snack, so it's less likely to make you feel sick.
You can take codeine at any time of day. But try to take it at the same times every day. Space your doses evenly.
If you're taking codeine as a cough syrup, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount. Ask your pharmacist for this if you do not have it.
Do not measure the cough syrup with a kitchen teaspoon. This will not give the right amount.
How long to take codeine for
If you buy codeine without a prescription, do not take this medicine for more than 3 days. Talk to your GP if your pain or cough does not improve after 3 days.
If you are taking codeine on prescription, you may only take the medicine for a few days or weeks. Some people need to take it for longer with medical supervision, depending on their illness.
If you forget to take a dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose.
If you only remember within 2 hours of the next dose, leave out the missed dose. Take your next dose as normal.
Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
If you take too much
Do not take more than your prescribed dose of codeine. If you think you need a different dose, talk to your GP first.
Taking too much codeine can be dangerous.
If you take too much, you may:
- feel very sleepy, sick or dizzy
- find it difficult to breathe
- become unconscious and need emergency treatment in hospital
The amount of codeine that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Call 112 or 999 for advice now if:
- you've taken more than your recommended dose of codeine
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999, or go to your nearest emergency department (ED), now if:
- you have taken more than your recommended dose of codeine and are having problems with your breathing
If you need to go to an ED, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the codeine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine and any other medicines you take.
Emergency action required: Call 999 now if:
- you are losing consciousness - if you're with someone, ask them to call for you
Do not drive yourself. Tell the person you speak to at 999 what medicine you've taken. They'll give you advice about what to do.
Avoid alcohol
It's best to stop drinking alcohol during the first few days of treatment until you see how codeine affects you.
Drinking alcohol while you're on codeine can:
- make you feel more sleepy
- increase the risk of serious side effects
If you feel sleepy with codeine, stop drinking alcohol while you're taking it.
Stopping codeine
If you have been taking codeine for more than a few weeks and want to stop, talk to your GP first. Your dose can be reduced gradually so you do not get withdrawal symptoms.
If you stop taking codeine suddenly you may get withdrawal symptoms.
These can include:
- feeling agitated, anxious or restless
- panic attacks
- feeling your heartbeat (palpitations)
- stomach cramps or pain and diarrhoea
- difficulty sleeping
- shaking
- sweating
- body aches and pains
Urgent advice: Contact your GP urgently if you are taking codeine and:
- are worried about addiction
- need help with addiction
- want to stop taking codeine
Non-urgent advice: Get help with problem drugs and alcohol use
Freephone 1800 459 459 for confidential advice
Important
If you have been taking codeine for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without talking to your GP first.
Storing codeine
If you've been prescribed codeine:
- store it properly and safely at home
- keep it out of the sight and reach of children
- never share your medicine with anyone else
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use.