Who can take codeine
Adults and children aged 12 and older can take codeine. But only give codeine to children (aged 12 to 18 years) if everyday painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen have not worked.
Who may not be able to take codeine
Codeine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have:
- ever had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicine
- a lung problem
- a head injury
- adrenal gland problems
- a condition which causes seizures or fits
- 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
- been trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding – codeine is not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Do not give codeine to children who are under 18 if they have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This is because:
- OSA can cause breathing problems while sleeping
- codeine can also cause breathing problems
Giving codeine to a child with this condition could be dangerous because of this.