Codeine is a prescription drug, mostly used as a painkiller, on its own or in combination with another medication. A codeine overdose happens when the patient intentionally or accidentally takes more than the prescribed amount. An overdose might have major symptoms such as a weak pulse, fainting and seizures or minor symptoms such as cold or clammy skin, constipation and drowsiness. In extreme cases, a codeine overdose might lead to a coma or even death.

This drug is one of the most commonly used painkillers in the world. Codeine has a wide safety margin, but it can be overdosed. The symptoms of a codeine overdose might include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal spasms and muscle spasms. A person who has overdosed on codeine might have bluish skin, lips and fingernails as well as shallow or slowed breathing, a slowed heartbeat and pinpoint pupils. Other possible symptoms include itchy sin, reduced blood pressure and dizziness.

Codeine belongs to a class of opiate analgesics. It is an alkaloid found in the opium poppy and was first isolated in 1832 by Pierre Robiquet, a famous chemist in France. It comes as a tablet, capsule or liquid. It usually is taken every four to six hours as needed. This drug will help relieve pain but will not treat the cause of pain.

This drug is a very effective painkiller, so taking codeine might become a habit. Taking codeine in the exact doses and for the exact duration as prescribed is one way of preventing a codeine overdose. If a dose is missed, one should never take a double dose to make up for it, because that might cause an overdose. Any patient who is taking codeine with another medication should make sure that he or she knows the overdose limits and symptoms of the other drug as well.

Codeine overdoses might not occur as often as overdoses on other opiate-family painkillers, because of Codeine's ceiling effect at 400-450 micrograms. Dosages higher than about 450 micrograms will render decreased results. Respiratory arrest is the most dangerous and possibly mortal outcome associated with an opioid overdose. The symptoms of a codeine overdose also can trigger another medical problem in the person's body and can lead to a different set of complications. Anyone who suspects that he or she or another person has overdosed on codeine should call a local emergency number — such as 911 — as soon as possible.