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11 October 2010
Codeine has been used in medicines for many years for cough suppression and pain relief. Medicines that contain codeine for the relief of dry, non-productive coughs are available over the counter in pharmacies in the UK. All products containing codeine indicated for cough are sold or supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist (Pharmacy (P) legal status).
A UK review of scientific evidence has concluded that the risks associated with over-the-counter oral liquid cough medicines containing codeine outweigh the benefits in children and young people under 18 years. Therefore:
- over-the-counter oral liquid medicines containing codeine should no longer be used to treat cough in children and young people under 18 years.
In addition:
- all over-the-counter oral liquid codeine medicines will be supplied in child-resistant containers.
The following Drug Safety Update article (published October 2010) and Public Assessment Report (published October 2010) present a summary of the evidence and conclusions from the review:
