Codeine phosphate belongs to a class of medications called opioid analgesics, which suppress the signal in the brain which is responsible for coughing and pain. Codeine phosphate alone is used for dry cough, acute diarrhoea, and mild-to-moderate pain. It can also be used as part of other products for other indications.
Codeine phosphate can be taken orally as tablet or syrup.
For dry cough (syrup):
15-30 mg 3-4 times daily.
For acute diarrhea (syrup):
15-60 mg 3-4 times daily.
For mild to moderate pain (tablet):
Adult:
30-60 mg every 4 hours as needed, up to a maximum dose of 360 mg/day.
Children aged 12-18 years:
30-60 mg every 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum dose of 240 mg/day.
Common side effects of Codeine phosphate include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, constipation and vomiting.
Common dosing schedule:
Codeine phosphate can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Codeine phosphate may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Codeine phosphate is a medicine under supervised sales and can be purchased under the supervision of a pharmacist from any pharmacies in Hong Kong. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Codeine phosphate in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.