Codéine pour le soulagement de la douleur

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 paracétamol et ibuprofène 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 ibuprofène in some over-the-counter products.

Side effects of codeine

Common side effects of codeine include:

• Se sentir mal.

• Être malade (vomissements).

• Constipation.

• Sensation de vertige.

• Feeling sleepy.

• Douleurs d'estomac (ventre).

• Bouche sèche.

• Sueurs.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais consultez votre médecin ou votre pharmacien si des effets secondaires persistent ou deviennent gênants.

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:

• Si vous êtes enceinte ou si vous allaitez.

• Si vous avez un problème avec le fonctionnement de votre foie ou de vos reins.

• Si vous avez des problèmes de prostate ou des difficultés à uriner.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asthme ou maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (MPOC).

• If you have been told you have pression artérielle basse or an abnormal heart rhythm.

• Si vous avez des problèmes avec votre thyroïde ou vos glandes surrénales.

• Si vous avez épilepsie.

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

• Si vous êtes constipé depuis plus d'une semaine ou si vous avez un problème inflammatoire de l'intestin.

• Si vous avez une affection provoquant une faiblesse musculaire, appelée myasthénie grave.

• Si vous avez récemment subi une blessure grave à la tête.

• Si vous avez déjà été dépendant aux drogues ou à l'alcool.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.
  

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. Ne prenez pas deux doses en même temps to make up for a missed dose.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• 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

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Questions fréquemment posées

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.