Do not stop taking codeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you very uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

Codeine will cause drowsiness and fatigue. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under the supervision of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.

Codeine will also cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

Never take more codeine than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Take codeine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much codeine could be very harmful.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take codeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Do not stop taking codeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

Codeine will cause constipation. Increase the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses a day) in your diet to prevent constipation. Do not share this medication with anyone else.

Store codeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Codeine is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision if you have an alcohol or drug addiction.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• asthma
• urinary retention
• enlarged prostate
• hypothyroidism
• seizures or epilepsy
• gallbladder disease
• head injury
• Addisons disease

You may not be able to take codeine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Codeine may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as other harmful effects in an unborn baby. Do not take codeine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Codeine may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing baby. Do not take codeine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from codeine therapy. Use extra caution.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Take your next dose 4 to 6 hours later.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• skin rash or hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow, weak breathing
• seizures
• cold, clammy skin
• severe weakness
• dizziness
• unconsciousness

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take codeine and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• constipation
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting
• decreased appetite
• dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
• muscle twitches
• sweating
• itching
• decreased urination
• decreased sex drive

Do not take codeine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as:

in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

The most serious interactions affecting codeine are with those drugs that also cause sedation. The following drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with codeine:

• brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl®, Nytol®, Compoz®, others)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®, others)
• amitriptyline (Elavil®)
• doxepin (Sinequan®)
• fluoxetine (Prozac®)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• amoxapine (Asendin®)
• clomipramine (Anafranil®)
• desipramine (Norpramin®)
• imipramine (Tofranil®)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• protriptyline (Vivactil®)
• belladonna (Donnatal®)
• clidinium (Quarzan®)
• dicyclomine (Bentyl®, Antispas®)
• hyoscyamine (Levsin®, Anaspaz®)
• ipratropium (Atrovent®)
• propantheline (Pro-Banthine®)
• scopolamine (Transderm-Scop®)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
• phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• flurazepam (Dalmane®)
• temazepam (Restoril®)

Do not take any of the drugs listed above without the approval of your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with codeine. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.