Opioid painkiller and cough suppressant
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Codeine phosphate is a painkiller that works in your brain to reduce how much pain you feel, and it can also help stop serious coughing by calming the cough center in your brain.
Binds to mu (μ) opioid receptors in the central nervous system, inhibiting pain signal transmission and suppressing cough reflex through depression of the cough center in the medulla.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Since codeine is usually taken only when you have pain, you may not be on a regular schedule. If you are taking it at set times and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and never double up.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Nigeria and can be addictive, so do not take it longer than your doctor prescribed and never share it with others. Do not buy codeine-containing products from roadside sellers or unregistered pharmacies as fake or adulterated products are common. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking codeine because it makes you drowsy and slows your reactions.
Do not drink alcohol while taking codeine, as combining them can dangerously slow your breathing and make you extremely drowsy. Avoid taking it with other sedatives or sleeping pills like diazepam (Valium) as the combined effect can be life-threatening. Be careful with antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton) as they increase drowsiness.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Codeine with your other drugs?
Codeine is NOT safe during pregnancy especially close to delivery as it can cause serious breathing problems in the newborn, and it passes into breast milk, so do not use while breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically says so.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Store far out of reach of children as even a small overdose can be very dangerous for a child.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.