Codeine
Codeine is a member of the opioid family. It can be used for the relief of mild to moderate pain where other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen have proved ineffective. When taking codeine as a tablet, it can be on its own (e.g. as codeine phosphate) or as a combination with another drug such as paracetamol (e.g. co-codamol). Dihydrocodeine has a similar analgesic effect to that of codeine phosphate but higher doses may provide some additional pain relief, however this may be at the cost of more nausea and vomiting.
Co-codamol is a combination of codeine and paracetamol, so should not be taken in addition to paracetamol. It is available in 2 strengths which are 8/500 tablets for mild to moderate pain or 30/500 for moderate to severe pain. 30/500 is only available on prescription but you can buy 8/500 tablets from a pharmacist.
Doses:
The recommended dose of codeine is 30mg–60 mg every 4 hours if required; maximum 240 mg per day.
The recommended dose for lower dose co-codamol is 8/500mg or16/1000 mg taken every 4–6 hours as required; maximum 8 tablets per day.
The recommended dose for co-codamol higher dose is 30/500mg tablets or 60/1000mg taken every 4–6 hours as required; maximum 8 tablets per day.
Caution
Do not take co-codamol if you are allergic to codeine or paracetamol.
If you are already taking paracetamol but it is not controlling your pain, you should take co-codamol instead of paracetamol. Do not take co-codamol as well as paracetamol.
Side effects of codeine are lack of appetite, sleepiness/drowsiness, constipation and sometimes nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, you may need to reduce the dose of codeine you are taking. It is not recommended to be taken in those who suffer from ulcerative colitis.
A combination of opioid and non-opioid analgesics is used to treat postoperative pain. You will probably have been given a combination of painkillers including an opioid during your surgery as part of your anaesthetic. You may also have been given a paravertebral block as part of your anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will explain this to you and seek your permission to use one as part of your pain relief package as they are not suitable for everyone. Each anaesthetic and analgesia regime is tailored to suit you and will be discussed with you prior to your operation.
One of the main worries people have when taking codeine is addiction. Repeated use of opioid analgesics is associated with the development of dependence, although this is rarely a problem with therapeutic use, especially when taking it for a short period of time, such as after an operation.
If you feel drowsy after taking codeine, you should not drive.
Do not drink alcohol when taking codeine as this can enhance its effects.
Disclaimer: On this website you will find advice to help you manage some of the more common but milder symptoms and side effects of breast cancer surgery. Please ONLY use this advice if you are currently participating in the ePainQ research project, otherwise you must follow the advice given to you by your medical team.
Clicking on the links in the left-hand menu will take you to advice on looking after yourself during treatment. If after following the advice you don’t feel your symptoms are being successfully managed or relieved, or if you become more unwell, you should contact your hospital medical team immediately.