What Is Codeine?
Codeine is a type of opioid medication that works by binding to opioid receptors on cell membranes. The body naturally uses the opioid receptor system to send chemical messages that tell your brain when you are experiencing pain and when that pain has stopped.
Codeine is mostly used for cough, which is why it is present in certain cough syrups. Codeine can also sometimes come in tablet form, but codeine tablets are not commonly prescribed.
The FDA has different classifications for codeine based on what it is formulated with, but codeine by itself is a Schedule II medication. Schedule II medications have recognized medical use but a high potential for misuse and addiction.
Safe Dosage & Administration
Codeine doses can vary widely based on opioid tolerance. Normal doses for cough can range anywhere from 10 to 120 mg of codeine, but other ingredients in the formulation usually limit the dose. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) intake should be limited to 3,000 mg per day to protect the liver from harm.
Normal codeine dosages for pain are between 30 to 60 mg. Regardless of standard codeine dosages, a person should never take more than what is prescribed by their physician.