Codeine 30mg Tablets
2 pack sizes available · Tablets
Single-ingredient codeine for short-term relief of moderate pain, used where paracetamol or ibuprofen alone are not enough.
Choose pack size
Controlled drug — important information
This medicine is a controlled drug under the UK Misuse of Drugs Regulations. It is supplied in limited quantities, only after a full clinical assessment, and may not be carried abroad without the right paperwork (a personal export licence is required for trips of 3 months or more). Misuse can cause serious harm and dependence, and is a criminal offence.
GP information & consent
For all Prescription Only Medicines — and particularly controlled drugs — the clinic requires your GP details. In line with healthcare regulations, we will notify your GP when supplying high-risk Prescription Only Medicines such as controlled drugs. You can opt out of this consent, however this may affect the prescriber's decision to prescribe certain medications.
To support our safety checks, we may also request access to your GP medical records. This is an optional consent, however declining may impact the prescriber's ability or decision to prescribe.
Only one controlled-drug medication per basket.
Request consultationOfficial medicine information
View the SmPC and Patient Information Leaflet on emc
electronic Medicines Compendium — the authoritative source for UK licensed medicine information.
Active ingredient
Codeine phosphate
Strength
30mg
Form
Tablets
Pack size
28 tablets · 100 tablets
How it works
Codeine is a weak opioid that acts on the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain. As a single agent it can be combined safely with paracetamol or ibuprofen, allowing flexible dosing.
How to take
Adults: usually one tablet (30mg) every 4–6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 240mg in 24 hours unless directed otherwise. Limit continuous use to 3 days without clinical review.
Possible side effects
- Constipation (very common — drink fluids and eat fibre)
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea, especially when first starting
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Less commonly: low mood, confusion or breathing changes
Important warnings
- Risk of dependence and tolerance — use for the shortest time possible.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or impaired.
- Do not combine with alcohol or other sedating medicines.
- Not suitable in severe breathing problems, head injury or paralytic ileus.
- Use with caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney problems — speak to the pharmacist.
- Do not exceed the maximum daily paracetamol dose (4g in 24 hours) from any source.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original packaging. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
How this medicine is supplied
Safer supply for high-risk medicines
- Identity verification before any supply is approved.
- GP notification — and, where appropriate, verification with your GP.
- Direct prescriber contact by phone or short video where clinically indicated — not questionnaire only.
- Limited quantities and structured review.
- Signed-for adult delivery only — the patient must be present at the address.
Your prescriber
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
All Prescription Only Medicines on this page are reviewed and (where appropriate) prescribed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. You will be told your prescriber's name and GPhC registration number before treatment is supplied.
Lead Prescriber for this clinic: Jane Doe MRPharmS, IP — GPhC Reg. 2000000. Verify on the GPhC pharmacist register.
Important
This information is provided for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional clinical advice. Treatment is only supplied following a consultation, suitability checks and pharmacist review. If this medicine is not suitable for you, our pharmacist will discuss alternatives.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you have a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.
Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting helps make medicines safer for everyone.
Last reviewed by our Superintendent Pharmacist: Jane Doe MRPharmS, April 2026.
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