Even though Codeine is a Controlled Substance - Schedule V,
Many apothecaries and small family owned pharmacies will sell you cough syrups containing codeine.
You cannot purchase codeine without a prescription from the major pharmacy chains - i.e. CVS, Walgreen's, Rite-Aid Etc. This is not a law, it's just company policy!
The most prevalent non-prescription purchased cough syrup with codeine is Cheratussin AC made by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, NDC 0603-1075-54.
Each 5ml contains: 10mg Codeine Phosphate, 100mg Guaifenesin, it's sugar free and also contains 4% w/v Alcohol. Under current US law there are restrictions for how much you can purchase and for a period of time, similar to Pseudo-ephedrine. You must sign a narcotic preparation log book and provide a valid government issued picture ID. According to US Law you may purchase a 4oz (118ml) bottle every 72 hours, (236mg Codeine) although most places will have you wait 1 week.
I have seen several answers to this question and they all state that you cannot purchase codeine without a prescription. THIS IS FALSE - YOU CAN PURCHASE CODEINE WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION!
Codeine is what is known as a pro-drug. The codeine by itself has very little, if any action at all until it undergoes first-pass metabolism via your liver. An enzyme system known as the Cytochrome P450 system. Codeine is conjugated with glucuronic acid to Codeine-6-glucuronide, and 5% of the dose is O-De-methylated to Morphine. Those are responsible for the analgesia and other effects.
The popular opioid Vicodin was named as VI (roman numerals for 6) Codin (Codeine) since it is roughly 6 times stronger than codeine.
Here is a small chart of common opioids and respective strengths compared to Morphine
Codeine .05
Dextropropoxyphene(Darvon) .05 - .07
Tramadol(Ultram) .10
Pethidine(Demerol) .36
Hydrocodone(Vicodin) .6
Morphine(oral) 1
Oxycodone(Percocet) 1.5 - 2
Methadone 3-4
Morphine(IV/IM) 4
Diacetylmorphine(Heroin) 1.9 - 4.3
Hydromorphone(Dilaudid) 5
Oxymorphone(Opana) 7
Buprenorphine(Suboxone) 40
Fentanyl(Duragesic) 50 - 100
Carfentanil (Wildnil) 10,000 - 100,000 : Use for Tranquilizing Large Animals - Not for human use.
Some places that sell Cheratussin AC without a prescription in Indiana are Georges Pharmacy, (Sunman, IN - Versailles, IN - Brookville, IN), Madison Apothecary ( Madison, IN), Fagen Pharmacy (DeMotte, IN), Hooks Apothecary (Evansville, IN)
At somewhere with a pharmacy.
Unless you can find over the counter cough syrup with codeine
They do not sell codeine cough syrup OTC in the USA. You can buy codeine products OTC in Canada, though. 8mgs per dose. The only way to get narcotic cough syrup is to have a doctors perscription. To set the record straight cough syrup that contains codeine may be purchased not over the counter but by asking the Pharmacist for the medication and then siging for it in a log that we keep behind the counter. For the folks that like to make bold statements ie the cough syrup with codeine can not be purchased any where in the USA.. you need to do some background work. I do not know the regulations of every state but in Tennessee this product can be purchased in a pharmacy.
I'd love to know and will begin calling around in the morning...
There are no over the counter codeine cough syrups in the United States. Codeine is an opiate and considered a controlled substance in the USA. I am sorry but your answer is incorrect. Cough syrup containing codeine can be purchased in Tennessee buy asking the pharmacist for the medication. I sell this product on a daily basis or at least when I can keep it in stock.
In Iowa, cough syrups containing codeine are classified as controlled substances and are available only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. You cannot purchase them over the counter; instead, you must visit a doctor or healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and provide a prescription if necessary. After obtaining a prescription, you can buy the cough syrup at a licensed pharmacy.
Canada
In Akron, OH, codeine cough syrup is classified as a controlled substance and is not available over the counter. You will need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it legally. If you're experiencing symptoms that require treatment, consult with a doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide appropriate medication if necessary. Always use medications as directed by a healthcare professional.
It is an over the counter, NON-narcotic cough medicine.
No, Promethazine with codeine cough syrup is a prescription medication and cannot be purchased over the counter at Walmart or any other pharmacy. Due to its potential for abuse and addiction, it is regulated by the government, requiring a doctor's prescription for purchase. Always consult with a healthcare professional for advice regarding medications.
yes
Cough syrup with Codeine is not available in Utah without a Dr.'s prescription. Codeine is classified as an opiate and as such not available over the counter. You may be thinking of Dextromethorphan, a morphine derivative, which is contained in most over the counter cough syrups. However, it does not contain the addictive narcotic side effects (such as the 'high', or analgesic effect) but mainly serves as an antitussive (cough suppressant). In high amounts it may have a disassociative effect on the body.