Can You Take Codeine with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Avoid — codeine and alcohol together cause dangerous respiratory depression and significantly increase overdose risk.
Is it safe to take Codeine with Alcohol?
Codeine is an opioid that depresses the central nervous system and slows breathing. Alcohol is also a CNS depressant. Together, the effects multiply — sedation becomes deeper, breathing slows further, and the risk of respiratory failure increases substantially. This is a well-documented and potentially fatal combination. Many opioid-related deaths involve co-ingestion of alcohol.
How do Codeine and Alcohol interact?
Codeine activates mu-opioid receptors in the brainstem, suppressing the respiratory centre. Alcohol enhances GABA-A inhibitory activity and inhibits glutamate, further suppressing CNS activity. The combined respiratory depressant effect is synergistic rather than just additive — together they are disproportionately more dangerous than either alone. Alcohol also inhibits CYP3A4, potentially slowing codeine metabolism and increasing its blood levels.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: FDA codeine drug label — alcohol and CNS depressant warning; OpenFDA drug label data.
Who should be careful?
Everyone. Extra risk for: people with respiratory conditions (COPD, sleep apnoea, asthma), the elderly, those with liver disease, and anyone on other CNS depressants.
What if I've already taken Codeine and Alcohol?
If you feel extremely drowsy, confused, or notice slow or difficult breathing in yourself or someone else, call 999 immediately. Recovery position if unconscious and breathing.
Not sure if this combination is safe for your specific situation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol with codeine?
No. Both are CNS depressants and together can cause dangerous or fatal respiratory depression. This combination is responsible for many accidental overdose deaths.
What happens if you mix codeine and alcohol?
Extreme drowsiness, impaired coordination and judgment, slowed or stopped breathing. In serious cases this combination can cause loss of consciousness and death.
How long after taking codeine can I drink?
Wait until all the codeine has left your system. Codeine has a half-life of 3-4 hours — it takes roughly 15-20 hours to be fully eliminated. Do not drink on the same day you take codeine.
Can co-codamol and alcohol kill you?
Yes, in serious overdose scenarios. Co-codamol contains codeine. Heavy alcohol consumption with codeine can suppress breathing to a fatal degree. Always treat this combination with extreme seriousness.