Codeine Sulfate

Where is Codeine Sulfate used?

Codeine Sulfate is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. This is a strong prescription pain medicine that has opioids or narcotics used to manage such pain. This belongs to the class of medications known as opioid narcotic analgesics.

This is originally approved in the year 1950 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Codeine Sulfate is utilized as a central analgesic, hypnotic, sedative, antiperistaltic, and antinociceptive agent. This is also recommended in certain conditions with continuous coughing.

How does Codeine Sulfate work?

Codeine Sulfate is a selective agonist for the mu-opioid receptor. However, it is with a much weaker similarity to this receptor than morphine, a more potent opioid drug. This medication binds to mu-opioid receptors involved in the transmission of pain throughout the central nervous system and the body. The analgesic properties of Codeine Sulfate are supposed to arise from its conversion to Morphine. It works in the brain to change how you respond to pain and how your body feels.

How is Codeine Sulfate taken?

The dosage is based on your condition and response to the treatment. This medication is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. Each dose may be taken with or without food. If you have nausea, it may help to take the medication with food.

Start the treatment with 15 mg to 60 mg every 4 hours as needed. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first symptoms occur. If you have ongoing pain, your doctor might recommend you also take long-acting opioid medicines. Therefore, this medicine might be used for sudden pain only as needed. Other pain relievers may also be prescribed. Ask your doctor about using this medicine safely with other drugs.

When this medicine is used for a long period, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this stops functioning properly. Tell your doctor if your pain does not get better or if it gets worse.

What are the possible side effects of Codeine Sulfate?

  • Dizziness
  • Light-headedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Rash or itching

If these occur, call your doctor right away:

  • Problems with urination
  • Weak pulse or slow heart rate
  • Noisy breathing, shallow breathing, or sighing,
  • Unusual thought or behavior, confusion
  • A feeling of extreme sadness or happiness

Call for medical help if you have signs of allergic reactions:

  • Hives
  • Difficult breathing
  • Swelling of your tongue, face, lips, or throat

What are the precautions in taking Codeine Sulfate?

  • Consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women before using this medication.
  • Let your doctor know if you have current treatment or any medical history.
  • You may feel dizzy or drowsy when taking this drug. to lessen your risk, get up slowly when rising from a lying or sitting position.
  • If you are taking this medicine to control your cough, let your doctor know if your cough does not get better in five days or if your condition worsens.
  • Keep this medicine far from the reach of children.