Examples of brand names: Nurofen Plus® (ibuprofen and codeine), Panadeine® (paracetamol and codeine), Panafen Plus® (ibuprofen and codeine), Mersyndol® (paracetamol and codeine and Doxylamine succinate).
What is Codeine?
Codeine is a pain reliever that works directly on the pain receptors in the brain and through the spinal cord to alter the way pain is perceived. Codeine can be combined with other simple analgesics, and these medicines can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription.
What can it be used for?
Muscular aches, period pain, headaches, backache, rheumatic pain, dental pain, migraine and neuralgia (pain along the path of the nerve).
What are the common side effects?
Constipation; drowsiness; nausea; and vomiting (most of these side effects are expected to be temporary and reversible once you stop treatment).
What are the effects when misused or overused?
Risk of addiction; vomiting; refractory headache (a headache due to overuse). When combined with ibuprofen side effects due to overuse include perforated bowel, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, anaemia and weakness caused by loss of potassium.
When combined with paracetamol side effects due to overuse include liver failure. When combined with aspirin side effects due to overuse include dizziness; severe ringing in the ears (tinnitus); perforated bowel and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Panadol ® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline Australia Advil ® is a registered trademark of Wyeth Australia. Nurofen ® is a registered trademark of Reckitt Benckiser Australia.
