Codeine is an opioid pain reliever used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. It is also used, usually in combination with other medications, to reduce coughing
. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain
. Codeine is available as a single-ingredient product, or in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin, and in some cough and cold medications
. However, the use of codeine-containing cough and cold medicines in children is being evaluated by the FDA due to potential risks
