What Is Codeine Sulfate? Everything You Need to Know

Codeine sulfate is a prescription medication used to treat pain. As part of the opioid family, codeine can be effective for managing mild or moderate pain, yet it also carries major risks. Understanding how codeine works, its potential side effects, and the dangers of misuse can help you or a loved one use the drug safely.

This guide covers everything you need to know about codeine sulfate, including its uses and addiction risks, helping you make informed health decisions. You can also discover and connect to compassionate, effective treatment for codeine addiction.

What Is Codeine Sulfate?

Codeine is a type of medicine called an opioid, often used to relieve pain [1]. It changes how your brain and body feel and respond to pain. Codeine comes from the opium poppy, a plant that has been used for centuries to treat pain. While it can effectively relieve pain, it also has a high risk of misuse and addiction, which is why it’s usually given under strict medical supervision [2]. Codeine can be found in different forms, such as tablets and liquids, or combined with other medicines for treating coughs and colds in formulations like Tussipax.

What Is Codeine Used For?

Codeine is most commonly used to manage mild and moderate pain. Doctors may prescribe it for pain after surgery, injuries, or chronic pain conditions. The drug is also sometimes used to reduce coughing. It works as a cough suppressant by affecting the part of the brain that controls your urge to cough. Codeine may also be combined with colds or flu medications to help with pain and cough symptoms. That said, it’s vital to use it exactly as directed due to its potential for misuse. 

Stilpane Codeine vs. Pure Codeine

Stilpane and pure codeine contain codeine, but they’re not the same. Pure codeine refers to a codeine pill on its own, without any other active ingredients. It’s typically used to relieve pain or suppress coughs. Pure codeine is available by prescription and is carefully controlled due to its risk of addiction.

Stilpane, on the other hand, is a combination medication. It contains codeine, but it’s also mixed with other ingredients like paracetamol (for pain relief), promethazine (an antihistamine), and caffeine (which boosts the effects of the pain medication). Stilpane syrup – liquid codeine or Stilpane lean – is often used for headaches, migraines, or other pain that requires a combined approach. 

The key difference is that pure codeine is a single-ingredient codeine tablet, while Stilpane combines codeine with other drugs to target multiple symptoms at once. Both can be effective, but they carry risks, especially since the codeine in both can be habit-forming. Always follow your doctor’s advice when using these medications. 

Is Codeine an Opioid?

Codeine Sulfate is an opioid. Opioids are a group of drugs that are often used to relieve pain. Codeine affects the brain and changes how the body feels and responds to pain. While opioids like codeine can be effective for managing pain, they also carry a risk of addiction and other serious side effects, especially if not used properly. Because of these risks, codeine is usually prescribed only for short-term pain relief or specific medical conditions.

What Does Codeine Look Like?

Codeine typically comes in small, round tablets or capsules. Codeine color depends on the brand and dosage, the pills may be white or varying shades of pink, purple, or blue. Prescription codeine tablets are often marked with identifying numbers, letters, or logos that indicate the brand and dosage. Occasionally, codeine sulfate may be produced as a liquid syrup, but this is less common and more intensely regulated. Always check your medication packaging or ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure about what codeine sulfate looks like.

Codeine Pictures

Codeine medicine in hindi

Codeine cough syrup in hindi

Csp drug

Dsp syrup

Tussipax

Codeine color

Codeine 30mg 

Codeine Dosages

Codeine dosage depends on the type of pain and your doctor’s instructions. For adults, the typical dose ranges from 15 to 60mg, taken every 4 or 6 hours as needed for pain relief – doctors will adjust the dosage based on how severe your pain is and how your body responds to the medication. Do not take more than prescribed because higher doses increase the risk of serious side effects, including addiction. Always follow your doctor’s guidance and never adjust the dose.

How Long Does Codeine Take to Work?

Codeine Sulfate starts working fairly quickly. When taken by mouth, most people feel relief from pain within 30 to 60 minutes. It reaches its peak effect in about 1 to 2 hours. The relief typically lasts for several hours, so it’s usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. If you don’t feel pain relief after the first dose, talk to your doctor before taking more, as increasing your dose on your own can be dangerous.

What Does Codeine Feel Like?

When codeine starts working, most people feel reduced pain or discomfort. It also often causes drowsiness or a sense of relaxation. Some people may feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially at higher doses. Because codeine affects the brain, it can also make you feel calm or even slightly euphoric, which is why it has a risk of addiction. However, not everyone experiences these effects in the same way, and for some, the side effects, like nausea or sleepiness, can be unpleasant. Always use codeine as directed to avoid potential risks.

Codeine Side Effects

While codeine sulfate is effective for managing pain and suppressing coughs, it can also cause a range of side effects, some of which can be serious. Side effects can range from mild discomfort to severe health risks, so knowing what to expect and when to seek help will inform safe usage.

Common Codeine Side Effects

For many people, codeine’s most common side effects are manageable but still uncomfortable. These include: 

• Drowsiness: Feeling unusually sleepy is one of the most common effects, as codeine slows brain activity [3]. You may feel tired or less alert than usual.
• Dizziness: Some people experience lightheadedness, especially when standing up suddenly.
• Constipation: Codeine slows down the digestive system, leading to difficulty in having bowel movements. This is a frequent issue, especially with prolonged use.
• Nausea and vomiting: It’s not uncommon to feel queasy or to vomit, particularly when you first start taking the medication.
• Dry mouth: Codeine can cause dehydration and lead to a dry, uncomfortable mouth.
• Itching: Some people experience mild itching due to how the drug interacts with the body’s histamine system[4].

While these side effects are not life-threatening, they can still affect your daily life. Drinking water, eating fiber-rich foods, and resting can help manage these issues. If the side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor for advice.

Long-Term Side Effects

Using codeine sulfate for an extended period can lead to more serious and potentially dangerous effects on your body. Here are some key long-term risks:

• Physical dependence: Over time, your body can become dependent on codeine, meaning it requires the drug just to feel normal. This leads to withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking it suddenly. Withdrawal can cause shaking, sweating, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and flu-like symptoms.
• Tolerance: With long-term use, your body may get used to the medication, meaning you’ll need a higher dose to get the same pain relief [5]. This can lead to overuse and increase the chances of dangerous side effects.
• Addiction: One of the biggest risks with codeine is addiction. Because it can make you feel relaxed or euphoric, codeine has a high potential for abuse. Over time, people may feel a psychological need to take it, even when they no longer need it for pain.
• Organ damage: Codeine, especially when taken with other pain relievers like acetaminophen (which is common in combination medications), can be harsh on the liver and kidneys. Long-term or high doses can lead to liver damage or failure, and kidney problems may develop as the body struggles to filter out the drug.
• Respiratory problems: Codeine slows breathing, and prolonged use can lead to respiratory depression, where your breathing becomes dangerously slow [6]. This is risky for people with lung conditions, such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Mental health effects: Long-term use of codeine may affect mental health, leading to mood swings, depression, or anxiety. Some people may experience confusion or cognitive decline, making it hard to focus or remember.
• Hormonal imbalances: Prolonged opioid use can impact hormone levels, especially testosterone in men, which may lead to decreased energy, mood changes, and reduced sexual function.

Use codeine only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you’re concerned about long-term use, talk to your doctor about other pain management options or ways to gradually reduce your dosage[7].

Serious Reactions

While some side effects of codeine are mild, there are serious reactions that require immediate medical attention. These severe side effects can happen even when taking the correct dose, especially if the body reacts poorly or if codeine interacts with other substances. Here are the serious reactions to watch for:

• Breathing problems: Codeine can slow breathing, and in some cases, it can cause respiratory depression, where your breathing becomes dangerously shallow or even stops. This is a life-threatening condition, especially for people with existing lung problems like asthma.
• Severe allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may experience a serious allergic reaction to codeine. Signs include swelling of the face, trouble breathing, or a severe rash. These symptoms require emergency medical care.
• Confusion and hallucinations: In some cases, codeine can cause mental confusion, hallucinations, or strange thoughts. If you or someone taking codeine starts behaving oddly or seeing things that aren’t there, seek medical attention right away.
• Low blood pressure: Codeine can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness, especially when standing up. This can be dangerous, particularly in older adults or those with heart problems.
• Seizures: Although uncommon, seizures have been reported with codeine use, especially in individuals with a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these serious side effects, stop taking codeine and get medical help immediately. 

Codeine Warnings

Codeine sulfate comes with several important warnings to ensure safety: 

• Not for children under 18: Codeine Sulfate should never be given to children under 18, especially after surgeries like tonsil or adenoid removal. There have been reports of life-threatening breathing problems in young children [8].
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Using codeine while pregnant can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Codeine Sulfate can pass into breast milk and may cause severe drowsiness or breathing issues in the baby, so breastfeeding mothers should only use it if directed by a doctor.
• Respiratory conditions: People with breathing problems like asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea should be extra cautious with codeine. It can slow breathing, which can be life-threatening for those with preexisting lung issues.
• Risk of misuse and addiction: Codeine has a high potential for misuse, especially for those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Always take it exactly as prescribed to avoid addiction or overdose.
• Driving and operating machinery: Codeine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Codeine Interactions with Other Substances

Codeine can interact with other medications and substances, leading to dangerous effects: 

• Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with codeine is extremely risky. Both substances can slow your breathing, and together they can lead to dangerous respiratory depression or even death.
• Other medications: Codeine should not be mixed with other CNS depressants, which are medications that also slow down brain activity, like sedatives, tranquilizers, or certain antidepressants. This can increase the risk of overdose or serious side effects.
• Antidepressants: Codeine can interact with certain antidepressants (especially SSRIs or MAOIs), leading to a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening [9]. Symptoms include agitation, fever, and muscle stiffness.
• Other opioids: Taking codeine with other opioid medications increases the risk of overdose.

To avoid harmful interactions, talk to your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. 

Addiction Risk

Codeine Sulfate, like other opioids, carries a high risk of addiction. Even when taken as prescribed, it can be habit-forming. Over time, your body can become dependent on the drug, and you may feel the need to take more to achieve the same level of pain relief. Here are some signs of addiction:

• Craving the drug: Feeling a strong urge or need to take codeine, even when it’s not necessary for pain.
• Loss of control: Taking more codeine than prescribed or using it more frequently than directed.
• Tolerance: Needing higher doses of codeine to feel the same effect, which then increases the risk of overdose. 

Addiction can have serious consequences, both physically and mentally, but help is available. If you or a loved one is struggling with codeine misuse, reach out to a healthcare professional or treatment center for support.

Overdose

Codeine overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Overdose can happen if you take too much codeine or mix it with other substances like alcohol or sedatives. Symptoms of Codeine Sulfate overdose include:

• Slow or shallow breathing: If breathing becomes very slow, it can lead to unconsciousness or death.
• Extreme drowsiness: Falling into a deep sleep and having difficulty waking up is a sign of overdose.
• Pinpoint pupils: Tiny pupils can indicate a codeine overdose.
• Cold, clammy skin: This is another sign that the body is shutting down due to an overdose.

If you suspect someone has overdosed on codeine, call 911 immediately. Naloxone, a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, can be lifesaving if administered in time [10]. If you or a family member is prescribed opioids like codeine, it’s a good idea to keep naloxone on hand and know how to use it in an emergency.

Renaissance Recovery Offers Compassionate Addiction Treatment in Luxury Locations

Although opioid addictions are challenging and disruptive, they’re also treatable with the right support at Renaissance Recovery. We treat opioid addictions and mental health conditions at our luxury rehabs in California and Florida.

We can help you find medical detox centers nearby if you require assistance with opioid withdrawal. After detoxing under controlled conditions, you can continue with outpatient treatment at Renaissance. Our intensive outpatient programs enable you to meet your daily commitments while getting effective addiction treatment. 

The unique aspect of all opioid addictions is reflected in the personalized treatment plans offered at Renaissance. Therapies might include:

• Counseling
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Talk therapies
• Motivational therapies
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Group therapy
• Aftercare

Start addressing opioid addiction by calling 866-330-9449

Sources

[1]https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids

[2]https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[3]https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682065.html

[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK200928/

[5]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

[6]https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/sedation-program/sedation-education/sedation-respiratory-depression/

[7]https://www.pbm.va.gov/PBM/AcademicDetailingService/Documents/Pain_Opioid_Taper_Tool_IB_10_939_P96820.pdf

[8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK100662/

[9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482377/

[10]https://narcan.com/en/