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What is codeine injection?
CODEINE relieves mild to moderate pain, and helps to stop or reduce coughing. Federal law prohibits the transfer of codeine to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic codeine injection is available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diarrhea
• heart disease
• intestinal disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• seizures or other neurologic disorders
• an allergic or unusual reaction to codeine, morphine, methadone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Codeine is for injection into a muscle, vein, or under the skin. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with codeine?
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for seizures
Because codeine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of codeine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking codeine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve, get worse or if you have a new or different type of pain.
Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking codeine on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your body becomes used to the codeine and when you suddenly stop taking it, you may develop a reaction. This DOES NOT mean you are 'addicted' to codeine. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking codeine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how codeine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking codeine for a couple of days. If you have not slept because of your pain, you may sleep more the first few days your pain is controlled to catch-up on missed sleep.
Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with codeine. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking codeine.
Codeine will cause constipation. Make sure to take a laxative and/or a stool softener while taking codeine. Try to have a bowel movement every 2—3 days, at least. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.
Your mouth may get dry. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy may help to relieve dry mouth symptoms. Have regular dental checks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking codeine.
Immediately call your physician or get emergency help if you are breast-feeding and your baby is sleepier than usual, is limp, or has difficulty breastfeeding or breathing.
What side effects may I notice from taking codeine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• cold, clammy skin
• seizures
• slow or fast heart beat
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• decreased ability to pass urine
• severe rash
More common:
• confusion
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• nervousness or restlessness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• pinpoint pupils
• sweating
Where can I keep my medicine?
Generally, if you are receiving codeine injections, a health care professional will be responsible for giving them to you and this will not be something you need to worry about. As with all medications , they should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
