Codeine, a natural product of the opium poppy, is one of the most widely used analgesics (painkillers) for mild to moderate pain. Most codeine medications combine a dose of codeine with mild analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil). The presence of the mild analgesics permits far lower codeine doses. Using lower doses of codeine can reduce its side effects, such as constipation and nausea.

See Also

Analgesic; Opiate and Opioid Drug Abuse.