How To Use Codeine For Pain Relief In The Right Way?

Everyone encounters some kind of pain in their everyday routines, from back pains to headaches, pain has become so common these days. But what can a person do to get relief from pain and improve the overall quality of life? Codeine for pain relief is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the pain. We will tell you about how you should use this medicine and get the most from it. 

Codeine For Pain Relief: What Is It?

Codeine belongs to the opioid class of medicines that treats mild-to-moderate types of pain. When other painkillers, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol fail to work, codeine becomes the most useful pain relief medicine. The working mechanism of codeine involves binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, thus leading to a decrease in incepting pain and how the body reacts to pain. 

Do you know that there are some pain relief medicines that consist of codeine? This includes co-codamol, which is a mixture of codeine and paracetamol. 

Codeine: What To Know Before Taking It?

Not all medicines are suitable and safe for everyone and some people may need to use some medicines carefully. Before you start taking codeine, you must be extra careful and tell your doctor if:

  • You are going through a pregnancy or a breastfeeding period
  • You have ever had any problems with your kidneys or liver
  • You find difficulty in passing urine or you have a prostate problem
  • You suffer from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other breathing problem
  • You have ever had low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythm problem
  • If your adrenal glands or thyroid have an issue
  • You have ever had epilepsy and seizures
  • If you have a problem with your bile duct or gallstones
  • If you suffer from inflammatory bowel problems or constipation
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis or any other muscle-weakening problem
  • If you had a severe head injury lately
  • If alcohol and drug dependence are part of your history
  • If your body ever reacted to any medicine
  • If you currently take other medicines, including herbal and complementary medicines, and over-the-counter medicines. 

Codeine For Pain Relief: How To Take It?

  • Always read the instructions given on the medicine label and leaflet before you start using codeine. It will tell you about the side effects, drug interactions, precautions, and all other important information about codeine. 
  • Always follow the dose frequency, quantity, and duration instructions given by your doctor. The normal dose of codeine is between 30 and 60mg every four hours. You should never exceed the maximum daily dosage of 240mg and never repeat more frequently than every four hours. 
  • Drink a glass of water to swallow the medicine.  It is safe to take codeine both with and without food. You can reduce the side effects of codeine for pain relief if you take it after a meal.
  • If you miss a dose of codeine, take it when you remember it and follow the every four-hour frequency of taking it, as before. Never take two doses of codeine at the same time even if you miss a dose. 

Codeine For Pain Relief: Getting The Most From It

  • Never drink alcohol while taking codeine as it can make you experience more side effects and make you feel sleepy and dizzy.
  • For some people, codeine affects their ability to drive and body coordination. Therefore, you must first understand exactly how this medicine affects your body and then avoid taking part in activities that require mental concentration.
  • Taking codeine frequently for a long time puts you at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. For this reason, doctors recommend reducing the dose of codeine gradually before stopping to use it. 
  • The body gets dependent on codeine and the medicine loses its effect due to dose tolerance. Therefore, codeine must be used for a short period of time. 
  • When taking codeine, it is essential to inform your dentist or surgeon in case you have an operation or dental treatment. 

Conclusion

A very important thing about using codeine for pain relief is to get the medicine from a reliable place. Super Meds is an online pharmacy based in the UK which sells codeine and other pain relief medicines through a totally online process and you get the option to get your desired medicines at home.