home > drugs a-z list > codeine phosphate (codeine phosphate) drug center > codeine phosphate (codeine phosphate) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener).

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion), seizures, change in amount of urine/difficulty urinating.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up, slow/shallow/irregular breathing, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using codeine phosphate injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotic pain medications; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain other inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (such as chronic constipation, ileus), brain disorders (such as brain injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure, seizures), diarrhea due to infection (such as Clostridium difficile), breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, sleep apnea), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, low blood pressure), disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), gallbladder disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), intoxication with medications that depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness (see also Drug Interactions section).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Caution is advised when using this drug in older adults because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing, urination problems, and drowsiness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have breathing problems or withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This medication may pass into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.