SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea commonly occurs with the use of codeine and usually goes away after the first few doses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, taking with food, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, vomiting, constipation, and sweating may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).
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: slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, restlessness), fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, change in the amount of urine, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, hives, 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.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking codeine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotic pain medications (e.g., morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone); or to sulfites (found in some brands); or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., respiratory depression, carbon dioxide retention), a certain bowel disease (paralytic ileus), severe infectious diarrhea (e.g., pseudomembranous colitis), intoxication with medications that can cause drowsiness or slow/shallow breathing (e.g., alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis), adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure), kidney disease, liver disease, lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, hypoxia, emphysema), personal or family history of regular drug/alcohol abuse, mental/mood disorders (e.g., toxic psychosis), spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of this drug's side effects.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing, drowsiness, and difficulty urinating.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date because of the potential for harm to your unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time may have 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 drug passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.