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What is codeine used for?
Jan
What is codeine used for
Order Codeine online: Codeine is an opioid medicine that is only available with a prescription from your doctor. Codeine is an opioid medication that is typically available by prescription and is used for the short-term relief of moderate pain when other treatments have not been effective. It can also be used as a cough suppressant and to treat certain types of diarrhea by slowing down gut movement.
Key Information – Order Codeine online
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- Uses: Primarily for pain relief when simple analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen are insufficient. It is also an effective cough suppressant and can be used to treat chronic diarrhoea.
- Administration: Tablets are typically swallowed with water. It is important to avoid taking other medicines containing codeine simultaneously.
- Prescription/OTC Status: In many countries, codeine is a prescription-only medicine.
- Addiction & Withdrawal: Regular, prolonged use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Following a doctor’s plan for gradual dose reduction is important.
How does codeine work?
Codeine works directly on the central nervous system and reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body. It also suppresses the activity centre in the brain that controls coughing.
What is codeine used for?
Codeine is used for short-term pain relief. It should only be used when other forms of non-opioid pain relief have not been successful in managing pain. When opioid medicine is required for pain relief, options other than codeine are often preferred because they offer more predictable effects and are generally safer for most people.
Some people will not experience pain relief from codeine because their bodies are unable to process the medicine. This is due to a genetic difference, which is more common in Caucasians.
Other people have a genetic difference that makes them process codeine faster this can lead to higher doses of codeine being released quickly into the body, and an increased chance of overdose or side effects. This genetic difference is more common in North African and Middle Eastern communities.
Codeine is not usually recommended for the treatment of chronic pain. Order Codeine online
Codeine may also relieve a dry cough, although it is not generally recommended for this purpose.
In some situations, codeine can also relieve diarrhoea by reducing the motility (movement) of the intestines.
What forms of codeine are available?
Codeine is available in tablet form and as an oral liquid. Codeine is also available in a tablet formulation combined with other medicines, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin.
What are the possible side effects of taking codeine?
All opioids, including codeine, can have side effects including life-threatening breathing problems. The chance of these side effects is higher:
- when first taking codeine
- after a dosage increase
- if you are older
- if you have an existing lung problem
The side effects of codeine are similar to those of other opioids, and include:
- constipation
- headache or dizziness
- fatigue or drowsiness (especially soon after a dose)
- loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
What are the risks associated with taking codeine?
Opioids are strong pain medicines and can cause life-threatening breathing problems.
Codeine may make it difficult for you to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you have recently started taking an opioid medicine, or changed the dosage, you may be more likely to have an accident. Ask your doctor if it is safe and legal to drive while taking codeine. Also contact your car insurer, as you may not be covered for accidents that occur while you are taking codeine.
If your kidney or liver function is impaired, your doctor may decide that codeine is not appropriate for you. Order Codeine online, There are other factors that may limit your use of codeine for example, if you drink alcohol or take other medicines such as benzodiazepines that can cause drowsiness.
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on whether codeine is the right medicine for you, how much you need and how long to take it for.
Opioid tolerance and dependence
If you use opioid medicines, you may also develop tolerance. This means that you may need to take larger amounts of the opioid to get the same effect. The chance of side effects also increases with a higher dose.
It’s possible to become dependent on this medicine even if you take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will help monitor how you use codeine, to reduce your chance of harm, including through misuse, abuse and addiction.
If you are concerned that you are becoming addicted to or dependent on codeine let your doctor know so that you can get help. You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) for 24/7 support and treatment information.Order Codeine online
How do I take codeine?
Always take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Your doctor may recommend a diet high in fibre or using laxatives while you take codeine to prevent opioid-induced constipation.
Continue to take codeine for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking codeine suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
How do I dispose of medicines safely?
It’s important you dispose of unwanted opioid medicines safely. Unused medicines can be returned to any pharmacy. Don’t keep unused codeine ‘just in case’. This can lead to dangerous or inappropriate use.
Keep codeine out of reach of children and pets. Never throw medicines into a garbage bin or flush them down the toilet, as this is dangerous to others and harmful to the environment.
When should I see my doctor?
If your pain is not well controlled with codeine or you have any new, unexpected or unwanted side effects, see your doctor. Order Codeine online
