Codeine Phosphate

Moderate pain, diarrhoea (at lower doses), and dry cough (as a cough suppressant).

Codeine is a prodrug -- your liver converts it to morphine using an enzyme called CYP2D6. The morphine then binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals. It also slows gut movement, which is why it helps diarrhoea but causes constipation.

Adults with moderate pain not controlled by non-opioid painkillers. Not suitable for children under 12, or for anyone who is an ultra-rapid CYP2D6 metaboliser (rare, but can cause dangerous levels of morphine). Use cautiously in the elderly.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door. Controlled drugs require additional clinical checks. We may need to contact you or your GP before dispensing.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Codeine Phosphate from £27.99 per pack.

Common: constipation (very common - consider laxative prophylaxis), nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness. Uncommon: dry mouth, sweating, itching, confusion. Serious: respiratory depression (especially in overdose or with other CNS depressants), dependence and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use.

Do not use in acute respiratory depression, severe COPD exacerbation, paralytic ileus, acute abdomen. Codeine: do not use in children under 12, or under 18 after tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Not suitable for ultra-rapid CYP2D6 metabolisers (codeine).

Benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants: risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Alcohol: enhanced sedation - do not drink alcohol. MAOIs: risk of serotonin syndrome (tramadol specifically). SSRIs with tramadol: serotonin syndrome risk.

Avoid in pregnancy if possible, especially near delivery (risk of neonatal respiratory depression and withdrawal). Codeine is contraindicated in breastfeeding (risk of morphine toxicity in infant). Other opioids: present in breast milk - use only under medical supervision.

Take every 4--6 hours as needed. Can cause drowsiness, constipation, nausea and dizziness. Don't drive until you know how it affects you. Risk of dependence -- keep courses short. About 8% of people don't respond to codeine at all (poor metabolisers).