There is no evidence to support the use of low-dose codeine pain medication over non-opioid analgesics. Codeine is an addictive opioid with potential for abuse and dependence. Over-the-counter codeine products are often supplied in combination with non-opioid analgesics (i.e., NSAIDs and acetaminophen). In addition to concerns regarding codeine abuse and dependence, misuse of these codeine-containing combination analgesics may also result in serious adverse effects due to high doses of the simple analgesics (ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin). Effects of high doses of simple analgesics may include liver toxicity, gastric perforation, haemorrhage and peptic ulcer, renal failure, chronic blood loss anaemia and low blood potassium (with potential fatal heart and neurological complications).
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