Codeine is an opiate ingredient in prescription-strength cough medicines that can be derived from certain poppy flowers. As a cough syrup, it has several advantages and disadvantages, all of which should be explored before consumption to avoid potentially negative side effects. Some pros for this cough syrup is its effectiveness at treating cough and its wide availability. Like any drug, the syrup has drawbacks; for example, it has a plethora of side effects and potential for abuse as a recreational drug.

This medication is commonly regarded as an extra-strength cough suppressor and recommended for use in cases where over-the-counter medications are not enough. The medication works by suppressing the part of the brain that controls coughing. Some experts dispute the drug’s effectiveness, but the fact remains that many people believe it works and stand by the product as their go-to cough medicine. If it is as ineffective as some experts believe, people who think they are coughing less because of a codeine cough syrup are experiencing the placebo effect.

Another pro regarding codeine cough syrup is that it is available in countries all over the world. Often, a prescription is needed to purchase a bottle, or a pharmacist must approve of the customer’s stated use of the product. In some countries, codeine cough syrup is technically illegal but the law is not enforced. Either way, the medicine is usually easy to acquire, especially if one has a legitimate cough.

Codeine cough syrup was once widely abused as a recreational drug and, to some extent, is still actively abused by some. It is the main ingredient in a drink called purple drank that originates from the southern part of the United States. Other medications and ingredients are added to the drink according to preference. Purple drank is also commonly know as Texas tea, sizzurp, and purple jelly. In some countries, measures have been taken to prevent abuse, such as adding medications to the cough syrup that produce undesirable or dangerous effects if taken in the amount needed to make purple drank.

The side effects of codeine cough syrup are normally mild, but can be severe and life-threatening. Some severe signs to watch for are allergic reactions, hallucinations, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Commonly observed mild side effects include headache, nausea and vomiting, and drowsiness. It is possible to overdose with this medication, which can be fatal if treatment is not sought right away. Children under six cannot safely be given codeine cough syrup, so it is important to keep it out of their reach.