Codeine

Uses

  • Management of mild to moderate pain
  • Cough suppressant in chronic bronchitis and lung cancer

Adverse Effects

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider risk of dizziness and drowsiness and potential impact on falls risk.Consider risk of dizziness and drowsiness and potential impact on falls risk.
  2. Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention

Route of Administration

  1. Oral

Mechanism of Action

Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways
  • Alteration of pain perception
  • Alteration of response to pain
  • Cough suppression
  • Generalized central nervous system depression

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

60 minutes to 90 minutes

Duration of Action

4 hours to 6 hours

Time to Onset

30 minutes to 60 minutes

Resources

*Some links accessed via VCH Intranet

Last updated: April 30, 2026