Codeine Phosphate

Mild to moderate pain can be manageable with Codeine Phosphate tablets. This medicine is usually for reducing pain due to injury, but healthcare providers also prescribe it for pain due to serious illnesses, post-surgical discomfort, and severe pain. Codeine is also occasionally given for diarrhoea (but not diarrhoea due to food poisoning). 

The painkiller works by targeting the nervous system. Codeine phosphate benefits occur because it helps cut off pain signals from the brain to the rest of the body. That is why it is effective for mild to moderate pain and can be safe for long-term use for consistent pain (e.g. pain due to an operation).

It is vital to know that codeine can trigger dependency for some people. Your physician may prescribe it alongside other painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Dosage Guidelines for Codeine Phosphate 

Codeine tablets are usually medicines that require prescription, but you can buy Codeine UK in low dosage without one. Be cautious about how you take the tablets, as this medicine can be addictive.

The usual dose of Codeine Phosphate tablets in 30mg is one or two pills every 4-6 hours. Heath experts will only approve the higher dosage (60mg) for severe pain. The dosage of codeine to treat diarrhoea is usually lower or depends on your condition.

For people over 65 years old, the dosage goes down from the standard amount to 15mg tablets. Lowering the dose for certain people is ideal if they are likely at risk of facing strong side effects.

Swallow your tablet whole with water, never break or crush. You are less likely to feel nausea and other mild side effects if you take codeine after a meal. Also, it is ideal that you take your tablets at the same times each day throughout the treatment.

Dosage Discrepancies

Codeine is usually a short-term medicine for pain relief, while in some cases you buy Codeine online for long-term issues. However, it is crucial that you talk to a physician if you intend to start codeine for prolonged use (even the lighter dose). If you have pain or diarrhoea but other health problems that can worsen with codeine, then you may be given codeine with another painkiller or a complete alternative.

If you forget to take codeine on time at any point during the treatment, ask for medical advice or check the dosage guide on the tablet box. Don’t take double the usual dose to make up for the missing one. Codeine overdose can be very unsafe, triggering health issues like vomiting, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Stick to your usual routine for a safe experience of this medicine.

Codeine Side Effects

The most common side effects of codeine tablets are the same as those of most other painkillers and some UK sleeping pills. However, it is best to be aware of these to take better care of yourself. Some mild issues you may experience are nausea, headache, and sleepiness. 

Codeine can also make people dizzy or confused. Constipation is another side effect, which is why it is not ideal to take this painkiller if you have discomfort with constipation.

Serious side effects of codeine are quite uncommon but may happen, especially in case of overdose or prolonged treatment. If you feel muscle stiffness or have low pressure following your codeine intake, get medical help.

Who Cannot Take Codeine?

Codeine is allowed for kids over 12, but only with a doctor’s advice. Elders can also take the medicine for pain, but in light doses for safety. People who should not take codeine (or ask for advice before taking the med only if it is very much necessary) are those who have health issues that cause seizures, those who have breathing troubles, and anyone with liver and kidney problems. 

Codeine is also not ideal if you have a history of addiction to alcohol or misuse of pain meds. Never take this medicine without expert medical advice if you have low thyroid, prostate, or metabolic issues, and don’t take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.