View codeine phosphate information, including dose, uses, side-effects, renal impairment, pregnancy, breast feeding, contra-indications and important safety information. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to treat pain, it works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Codeine is a type of strong painkiller called an opioid. It's used to treat pain, for example after an operation or an injury. It's often used when other painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, have not worked. Codeine can also be used to treat a dry or painful cough or diarrhoea. Codeine is an opiate and prodrug of morphine mainly used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It is commonly used as a recreational drug. Find patient medical information for Codeine on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Codeine sulfate is an opioid analgesic indicated for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain where the use of an opioid analgesic is appropriate. Selection of patients for treatment with codeine sulfate should be governed by the same principles that apply to the use of similar opioid analgesics. Codeine is used to manage mild to moderate pain, where treatment with an opioid is appropriate, and when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them. Codeine is an opioid and considered a strong prescription pain medicine. Codeine is changed to morphine in the body. Some people change codeine to morphine more quickly than others. These individuals are called ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience extreme sleepiness, confusion, or shallow breathing. Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever (analgesic) used to treat mild to moderately severe pain frequently combined with Tylenol or aspirin. Common side effects include itching, rash, stomach pain, constipation, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Codeine is used to treat mild-to-moderate types of pain. The most common side effects of codeine are feeling sick (nausea), constipation, feeling sleepy, and dry mouth. Codeine may affect your reactions. When you first start treatment, do not drive until you know how you react. Codeine is an opioid painkiller used for mild-to-moderate pain relief.