Codeine — Drug Interactions, Alcohol & Pregnancy Guide
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
About Codeine
Codeine is a mild opioid painkiller available over-the-counter in low-dose combination products (e.g. co-codamol 8/500) and on prescription in higher doses. It converts to morphine in the liver.
Also sold as: Codeine phosphate, Paracodol (with paracetamol), Nurofen Plus (with ibuprofen)
Codeine and Alcohol
Avoid — codeine and alcohol together cause dangerous respiratory depression and significantly increase overdose risk.
Full guide →Codeine in Pregnancy
Avoid codeine in pregnancy — it can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and respiratory depression in the newborn if used near delivery.
Full guide →Codeine — Drug Combinations
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