Codeine: Popular painkiller's hidden dangers revealed

Codeine-based painkillers, widely used in the UK for short-term moderate pain, are raising concerns among pharmaceutical experts. These opioid medications, often combined with ibuprofen or paracetamol, work by blocking pain signals in the central nervous system and brain. However, they carry a risk of dependence and misuse, especially when taken in higher doses or for extended periods.

Side effects such as drowsiness and constipation are common. More concerning is the potential for slowed breathing and impaired coordination at higher doses. A specific genetic variant, more prevalent in people of North African, Middle Eastern, and Oceanian backgrounds, causes faster conversion of codeine to morphine, increasing vulnerability to dangerous effects even at standard doses.

Repeated use can lead to tolerance, prompting users to increase dosage and risk physical dependence. Abrupt cessation may trigger withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, restlessness, sweating, and sleep disturbances. To mitigate these risks, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency advises using non-prescription products for a maximum of three days and limiting pack sizes to 32 tablets.