Medications containing codeine are often used to manage pain or suppress coughing. They come in different formulations, usually combined with other ingredients like acetaminophen, aspirin, or cough suppressants.
Below is a detailed list of common medications that contain codeine:
Prescription Pain Medications Containing Codeine:
- Tylenol with Codeine:
- Form: Tablet or liquid
- Combination: Acetaminophen + Codeine
- Uses: Moderate to severe pain relief
- Fioricet with Codeine:
- Form: Capsule
- Combination: Butalbital (barbiturate), Acetaminophen, Caffeine + Codeine
- Uses: Tension headaches, migraines
- Fiorinal with Codeine:
- Form: Capsule
- Combination: Butalbital (barbiturate), Aspirin, Caffeine + Codeine
- Uses: Tension headaches
- Empirin with Codeine:
- Form: Tablet
- Combination: Aspirin + Codeine
- Uses: Moderate to severe pain
- Capital with Codeine:
- Form: Liquid or tablet
- Combination: Acetaminophen + Codeine
- Uses: Pain relief, often used for mild to moderate pain
Cough Suppressants Containing Codeine:
- Cheratussin AC:
- Form: Syrup
- Combination: Guaifenesin (expectorant) + Codeine
- Uses: Relieves cough and chest congestion
- Robitussin AC:
- Form: Syrup
- Combination: Guaifenesin + Codeine
- Uses: Cough suppression
- Promethazine with Codeine:
- Form: Syrup
- Combination: Promethazine (antihistamine) + Codeine
- Uses: Cough relief and alleviates allergy symptoms such as a runny nose
- Tuzistra XR:
- Form: Extended-release syrup
- Combination: Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) + Codeine
- Uses: Extended relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms
- Phenergan with Codeine:
- Form: Syrup
- Combination: Promethazine (antihistamine) + Codeine
- Uses: Cough and allergy symptom relief
Other Medications Containing Codeine:
- Codeine Phosphate:
- Form: Tablet, syrup, or injection
- Uses: Pain relief, cough suppression, and in some cases, diarrhea management
- Colrex Compound:
- Form: Liquid
- Combination: Codeine + Phenylephrine (decongestant)
- Uses: Cough relief and nasal congestion
- Codrix:
- Form: Tablet
- Combination: Acetaminophen + Codeine
- Uses: Mild to moderate pain
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Containing Codeine (Limited to Certain Countries):
In some countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, low-dose codeine-containing medications can be available over the counter in limited quantities (though many countries have tightened restrictions in recent years).
- Panadeine (Australia):
- Form: Tablet
- Combination: Paracetamol + Codeine
- Uses: Mild to moderate pain
- Nurofen Plus (Australia):
- Form: Tablet
- Combination: Ibuprofen + Codeine
- Uses: Pain relief (for headaches, migraines, dental pain)
- Cough Syrups with Codeine (UK, Canada):
- Available in low-dose formulations but often restricted or behind-the-counter
Restrictions on Codeine Medications:
Many countries have strict regulations surrounding the sale and use of codeine. For instance:
- Australia reclassified all over-the-counter codeine-containing products as prescription-only in 2018.
- In the UK, codeine is available in low doses over-the-counter but with strict limits and behind-the-counter supervision.
- In the US, most codeine-containing products require a prescription.
If you’re using any of these medications, it’s essential to follow the prescribed dosages and guidelines to avoid the risk of dependence or overdose.
Pain Medications, Pain Relief, and Pain Management