Alternatives to codeine
6 same-class SPL records vs codeine - uses, FAERS reaction fields, and OTC/Rx flags from public FDA sources.
Brand: Codeine Sulfate
About codeine
This medicine contains acetaminophen and codeine. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain when other pain medicines are not strong enough.
Used for: This medicine is used to manage mild to moderate pain. It is for when an opioid medicine is appropriate. You should only use it if other pain treatments are not working well enough for you.
6 Opioid Analgesic peers (wide set)
fentanyl
RxDuragesic, Actiq
Fentanyl Citrate Injection is used to manage pain during and after surgery. It can be used alone or with other medicines during general or regional anesthesia. It may also be used with oxygen for high-risk patients during certain surgeries.
hydromorphone
RxDilaudid
This medicine treats severe pain that requires an opioid pain medicine. It is for use when other treatments are not adequate. Do not use it for long periods unless your pain stays severe and other options are still not adequate. This medicine carries risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse.
meperidine
RxDemerol
Meperidine is used to manage acute pain that is severe enough to need an opioid pain medicine. It is for use when other treatments do not work well enough. Meperidine should not be used for chronic, long-lasting pain. Taking meperidine for a long time may increase the risk of seizures.
morphine
RxMS Contin, Kadian
Morphine is used to manage severe pain in adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. It is used when other pain treatments are not strong enough or cannot be tolerated.
oxycodone
RxOxyContin, Roxicodone
Oxycodone is used to manage severe pain. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. You should only use it when other pain treatments are not enough. Talk to your doctor about other options if possible.
tramadol
RxUltram, ConZip
Tramadol extended-release tablets are used to manage severe, long-lasting pain. This medicine is for pain that requires an opioid and cannot be treated well with other options. It is not for pain that comes and goes.
codeine vs fentanyl & hydromorphone · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Nausea" shows the widest count spread between codeine and fentanyl, hydromorphone, meperidine in this extract (4,593-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | codeine | fentanyl | hydromorphone | meperidine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Hypersensitivity | 807 | - | 2,840 | 3,249 |
| Nausea | 488 | 5,081 | 4,622 | 1,132 |
| Malaise | 374 | - | - | - |
| Vomiting | 365 | 3,688 | 3,373 | 734 |
| Headache | 356 | - | 2,920 | 647 |
| Arthralgia | 354 | - | - | - |
| Diarrhoea | 343 | 2,938 | 2,375 | - |
| Dyspnoea | 327 | 2,962 | 2,506 | - |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
codeine peer mix vs class inventory
Peer mix
0 OTC and 6 Rx SPL records in this peer set (6 total). Class inventory for Opioid Analgesic: 7 drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What same-class SPL records sit beside codeine? ▼
Reading a wide Opioid Analgesic peer set (6 records)
codeine (Codeine Sulfate) sits in a wide Opioid Analgesic peer set (6 of 6 class peers shown). Labeled indication field for codeine: This medicine is used to manage mild to moderate pain.
Top FAERS reaction fields for codeine total 4,015 reports across 10 reactions, set beside fentanyl, hydromorphone, meperidine. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
Registry note: Therapeutic-class peer lists are registry indexes, not prescribing advice. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for codeine: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Codeine Sulfate SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.