Codeine
Also known as: Tylenol with Codeine, Empirin with Codeine, Pardale-V, Codeine phosphate, Co-codamol (human combination)
* **Keep out of reach of children and pets**: This is a controlled substance. * **TOXIC TO CATS**: **Never** give any product containing acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol® with Codeine) to cats. It is rapidly fatal. * **Side Effects**: Watch for extreme sleepiness, constipation, lack of appetite, or vomiting. Cats may occasionally become unusually hyperactive, jittery, or have tremors. * **When to call the vet**: Report any significant changes in behavior, activity level, or severe gastrointestinal effects to your veterinarian immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Analgesic (mild to moderate acute pain)
- Analgesic
- Analgesic
- Antitussive / Analgesia
- Analgesic
- Antitussive
- Antitussive
- Analgesic (mild to moderate acute pain)
- Analgesic (in combination with acetaminophen)
- Analgesic (codeine alone)
- Analgesic
- Antidiarrheal
- Antitussive
- Analgesia (mild to moderate pain)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation (most common)
- Constipation
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Ileus
- Biliary and pancreatic duct spasms
- Respiratory depression (at high doses)
- Cats: CNS stimulation, hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures
- Sedation
- Nausea
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to narcotic analgesics
- Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like amitraz or selegiline
- Diarrhea caused by toxic ingestion (until toxin is eliminated)
- Repeated use in severe inflammatory bowel disease
- Scorpion stings (Centruroides sculpturatus and C. gertschi) as it may potentiate venom
- Combination products containing acetaminophen are STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED in cats
- Hypersensitivity to opioids
- Severe respiratory depression or asthma
- Cats (especially if using combination products containing paracetamol)
- Use with caution in patients with **hypothyroidism**, **severe renal insufficiency**, **Addison's disease**, and in **geriatric or severely debilitated** patients. Use with caution in patients with **head injuries** or increased intracranial pressure, and in those with **acute abdominal conditions** (e.g., colic) as it may obscure the diagnosis. Use with extreme caution in patients suffering from **respiratory disease** or acute respiratory dysfunction (e.g., pulmonary edema secondary to smoke inhalation). > **Warning**: Opiates can increase plasma amylase and lipase values up to 24 hours following administration due to increased biliary tract pressure.
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs: May increase the chances of constipation developing
- Antidepressants (TCAs/MAOIs): May potentiate CNS depressant effects
- CNS Depressants (anesthetics, antihistamines, phenothiazines, barbiturates, tranquilizers): May cause increased CNS or respiratory depression
- Quinidine: May inhibit the transformation of codeine to morphine in the liver, decreasing its efficacy
- CNS Depressants (e.g., phenobarbital, diazepam): Additive CNS and respiratory depression
- SSRIs / MAOIs: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
- CNS Depressants (e.g., sedatives, anesthetics, antihistamines): Additive CNS and respiratory depression
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): May cause severe, unpredictable reactions (serotonin syndrome or severe respiratory depression)
Frequently asked questions
What is Codeine used for in pets?
* **Keep out of reach of children and pets**: This is a controlled substance. * **TOXIC TO CATS**: **Never** give any product containing acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol® with Codeine) to cats. It is rapidly fatal. * **Side Effects**: Watch for extreme sleepiness, constipation, lack of appetite, or vomiting. Cats may occasionally become unusually hyperactive, jittery, or have tremors. * **When to call the vet**: Report any significant changes in behavior, activity level, or severe gastrointestinal effects to your veterinarian immediately.
Is Codeine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app