How much codeine is too much

Do not give codeine to children under 12 years old. Only give codeine to children aged 12 to 18 years if everyday painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen haven't worked. Codeine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and older. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have: had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicines in the past a lung problem a head injury adrenal gland problems an illness which causes seizures an addiction to alcohol an underactive thyroid gland kidney or liver problems gallstones an enlarged prostate low blood pressure myasthenia gravis a rare illness that causes muscle weakness symptoms of ulcerative colitis a bowel condition Do not give codeine to children who are under 18 years old and have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea.

Different types of codeine Codeine comes as: tablets - these contain 15mg, 30mg or 60mg of codeine a liquid that you swallow - this contains 25mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful cough syrup - this contains 15mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful an injection usually given in hospital If you're taking codeine as a liquid, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount. Dosage The usual dose of codeine is 15mg to 60mg.

The usual dose for treating pain: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets mg in 24 hours children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid every 6 hours elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet every 4 hours The usual dose for treating diarrhoea: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet You can take this dose 3 or 4 times a day.

The usual dose for treating a cough: adults and children usually take one or two 5ml spoonfuls of cough syrup 3 or 4 times a day.

Important: Overdose warning It's important not to take more than your prescribed dose. Do not take more than 4 doses of codeine in 24 hours if you're: a child aged 12 to 17 years taking a 60mg dose. Will my dose go up or down? If you get side effects your dose may go down. How long will I take it for? You might only need to take codeine for a few days. What if I forget to take it?

Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. What will happen if I stop taking it? If you stop taking it suddenly it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as: feeling agitated feeling anxious shaking sweating. Important If you have been taking codeine for more than a few weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.

What if I take too much? Taking too much codeine can be dangerous. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Storing codeine If you've been prescribed codeine, it's particularly important that you: store it properly and safely at home keep it out of the sight and reach of children never give your medicine to anyone else Return any unused codeine to your pharmacist.

They will dispose of it. Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or don't go away: constipation feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting feeling sleepy confusion, feeling dizzy and vertigo a sensation of spinning dry mouth headaches Serious side effects Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in people. Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to codeine.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: constipation - try to get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals. Try to drink several glasses of water or other non-alcoholic liquid each day. If you can, it may also help to do some gentle exercise. It's safe to use a laxative if your constipation doesn't go away. Usually, lactulose is best but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're being sick, try small frequent sips of water. This side effect should normally wear off after a few days. Talk to your doctor about taking an anti-sickness medicine if it carries on for longer. Talk to your doctor if it carries on for longer. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you don't faint, then sit until you feel better.

This side effect should wear off within a few days as your body gets used to codeine. Your doctor can also prescribe an artificial saliva substitute to keep your mouth moist. This comes as a spray, gel or lozenge.

Talk to your doctor if the headaches get worse or last longer than a week. Codeine isn't recommended during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Codeine and breastfeeding Codeine isn't usually recommended if you're breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Tell your doctor if you're taking any medicines: to help you sleep for depression - some types can't be taken with codeine for high blood pressure to help stop you feeling or being sick to treat symptoms of an allergy to reduce tension or anxiety for mental health problems Mixing codeine with herbal remedies and supplements It's not possible to say that complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with codeine.

Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does codeine work? Codeine is from a group of medicines called opiates, or narcotics. How long will it take to work? Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using, because they may also contain acetaminophen.

It is not safe to use more than 4 grams 4, milligrams of acetaminophen in one day 24 hours , as this may increase the risk for serious liver problems.

Shake the oral suspension well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Do not double doses. Acetaminophen with codeine is a prescription pain medication. An overdose occurs when someone takes too much of this drug. An overdose is very dangerous and can be fatal.

If you think you or someone you know may have overdosed, call or the National Poison Control Center at immediately. Be ready to tell first responders:. If you take too much of the medicine, the chemicals in the drug can cause you to not think clearly. You can help remember when to take your medicines and how much to take by:. Some people may take acetaminophen with codeine because it makes them feel high. A breastfeeding baby can overdose on acetaminophen with codeine if their mother is taking the medicine.

Nursing mothers taking acetaminophen with codeine should consider bottle-feeding their babies. Call or the National Poison Control Center and listen carefully to their instructions. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations.