Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have:
- Had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicines in the past
- A lung problem
- A head injury
- Adrenal gland problems
- An illness which causes seizures
- An addiction to alcohol
- An underactive thyroid gland
- Kidney or liver problems
- Gallstones
- An enlarged prostate
- Low blood pressure
- Myasthenia gravis (a rare illness that causes muscle weakness)
- Symptoms of ulcerative colitis (a bowel condition).
What are the side effects of taking codeine?
You’re unlikely to get side-effects from taking over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, as long as you take them occasionally and don’t take more than the recommended dose.
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However, as Bupa notes, opioid painkillers such as codeine can cause constipation, and you might feel sick after taking it.
Echoing Ms Guerrini’s warning, the health body notes that some people who take opioid painkillers may become dependent on them.
Source: Daily Express
