Codeine is an opioid pain reliever used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. It is also used, usually in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing.  Codeine is available as a single-ingredient product, or in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin, and in some cough and cold medications.

Related Information

• FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires labeling changes for prescription opioid cough and cold medicines to limit their use to adults 18 years and older
• FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA restricts use of prescription codeine pain and cough medicines and tramadol pain medicines in children; recommends against use in breastfeeding women
• FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA evaluating the potential risks of using codeine cough-and-cold medicines in children
• Consumer Update: Codeine and Tramadol Can Cause Breathing Problems for Children
• Use of Codeine and Tramadol Products in Breastfeeding Women - Questions and Answers