What is a common side effect of codeine?

Codeine is an opioid medication that is frequently prescribed for pain relief and as a cough suppressant. A well-known side effect of codeine, as with many other opioids, is constipation. This occurs because opioids bind to specific receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down intestinal motility and decreases the secretion of fluids, ultimately resulting in harder stools and difficulty in bowel movements.

Patients taking codeine often need to be advised to maintain hydration and potentially use laxatives to mitigate this side effect. While nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea can occur with codeine use, constipation is particularly prevalent and is a hallmark side effect that caregivers need to be especially mindful of when managing a patient’s treatment with opioid medications. Understanding this side effect is crucial for effective patient education and management in a pharmacy setting.