Codein zur Schmerzlinderung

About codeine

What is codeine used for?

Codeine is a type of opioid (a strong painkiller) that is used to treat mild-to-moderate types of pain. It can be particularly useful when painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not been effective.

How does codeine work?

Codeine works by binding to certain tiny areas, called opioid receptors, in your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This leads to a decrease in the way you feel pain and your reaction to pain.

Where can you get codeine from?

Codeine is available with a prescription from a doctor. It is also included in some pain relief medicines you can buy directly from a pharmacy without a prescription. One example is co-codamol, which contains codeine combined with paracetamol.

Codeine is also combined with the anti-inflammatory medicine ibuprofen in some over-the-counter products.

Side effects of codeine

Common side effects of codeine include:

• Ich fühle mich krank.

• Krank sein (Erbrechen).

• Verstopfung.

• Ich fühle mich schwindelig.

• Ich fühle mich schläfrig.

• Stomach (tummy) pain.

• Trockener Mund.

• Schwitzen.

Eine vollständige Liste finden Sie in der Packungsbeilage des Herstellers, die Ihrem Arzneimittel beiliegt.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to manage codeine side effects

Who should not take codeine?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting codeine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Wenn Sie schwanger sind oder stillen.

• Wenn Sie ein Problem mit der Funktionsweise Ihrer Leber oder mit der Funktionsweise Ihrer Nieren haben.

• Wenn Sie Prostataprobleme oder Schwierigkeiten beim Wasserlassen haben.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure or an abnormal heart rhythm.

• Wenn Sie Probleme mit Ihrer Schilddrüse oder den Nebennieren haben.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have gallstones or a problem with your bile duct.

• Wenn Sie seit mehr als einer Woche unter Verstopfung leiden oder ein entzündliches Darmproblem haben.

• Wenn Sie an einer Muskelschwäche leiden, die Myasthenia gravis genannt wird.

• Wenn Sie kürzlich eine schwere Kopfverletzung erlitten haben.

• Wenn Sie jemals von Drogen oder Alkohol abhängig waren.

• Wenn Sie schon einmal eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Arzneimittel hatten.

• Wenn Sie andere Arzneimittel einnehmen. Dazu gehören alle Arzneimittel, die Sie einnehmen und die rezeptfrei erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Arzneimittel.
  

How to take codeine

• Read the leaflet inside the pack before you start. It explains how codeine works and lists possible side effects.

• Take codeine exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

  • The usual dose for pain is 30-60 mg every 4 hours if needed.

• Do not take it more often than every 4 hours and do not exceed 240 mg in one day.

• Codeine tablets come in different strengths, always check the label to see how many tablets to take.

• Swallow the tablets with water. You can take them with or without food, but taking them after food may help prevent feeling sick.

• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, then continue as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Das Beste aus Ihrer Behandlung herausholen

• Do not drink alcohol while taking codeine. Alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness.

• Codeine can affect your reactions and driving ability. Do not drive until you know how codeine affects you, especially when you first start taking it. The effects of codeine may last into the next day, even if you feel alert.

• If you are driving while taking codeine, carry proof that it has been prescribed for you (such as the patient leaflet or a prescription slip).

• Codeine is prescribed for the shortest time needed to reduce the risk of dependence and building a tolerance.

• Stopping codeine suddenly after taking it for a while can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling restless or irritable.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking codeine.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with codeine.

How to store codeine

• Bewahren Sie alle Arzneimittel außerhalb der Reichweite und Sichtweite von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, vor direkter Hitze und Licht schützen.

Wichtige Informationen über alle Arzneimittel

Häufig gestellte Fragen

How long does it take for codeine to work?

Codeine usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it, with pain relief typically lasting for around 4 hours. How quickly it works however can vary from person to person.

Is it safe to take codeine during pregnancy?

Codeine can be taken during pregnancy but only for short-term use. It is not recommended during the third trimester as there is a risk that your baby will get used to having codeine and could have withdrawal symptoms.

Can you drink alcohol with codeine?

No, you should not drink alcohol while taking codeine. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, and impaired judgement.

Can you take codeine with paracetamol?

Yes, you can take codeine and paracetamol together. They are commonly combined in a medicine called co-codamol. Taking them together can provide better pain relief than either medicine alone.

Is codeine addictive?

Yes, codeine can be addictive if taken regularly or for long periods. Your body can become dependent on it, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability. For this reason, codeine is usually prescribed for short-term use only.