What is Codeine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines web site: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Missed dose: This medicine is taken only when needed, so there are no special instructions for a missed dose.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: This medicine is taken only when needed, so there are no special instructions for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines web site: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to codeine, or if you have severe lung or breathing problems or bowel blockage (including paralytic ileus).

This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

This medicine may cause the following problems:High risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Serotonin syndrome, when used with certain medicines

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems (including sleep apnea), gallbladder disease, pancreas problems, prostate problems, underactive thyroid, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of head injury, brain tumor, depression, seizures, drug or alcohol abuse.

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

When a mother is breastfeeding and takes codeine, there is a very small chance that this medicine could cause serious side effects in the baby. This is because codeine works differently in a few women, so their breast milk contains too much medicine. If you take codeine, be alert for these signs of overdose in your nursing baby: sleeping more than usual, trouble breastfeeding, trouble breathing, or being limp and weak. Call the baby's doctor right away if you think there is a problem. If you cannot talk to the doctor, take the baby to the emergency room or call 911.

This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to take less and less before stopping it completely.

Some medicines can affect how codeine works. Tell your doctor if you using any of the following:Amiodarone, carbamazepine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, mirtazapine, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir, tramadol, or trazodoneBlood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)Medicine for depression (including bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine)Phenothiazine medicine

Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.