codeine sulfate

Boxed Warning 12/2025 Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 12/2025 Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.5 ) 12/2025 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.14 , 5.16 ) 12/2025

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Codeine sulfate tablets are indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain, where treatment with an opioid is appropriate and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. L i m i t ations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] , reserve opioid analgesics, including codeine sulfate tablets, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. Codeine sulfate tablets are an opioid agonist, indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain, where treatment with an opioid is appropriate and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including codeine sulfate tablets, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. ( 1 , 5.1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Codeine Sulfate Tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) • Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of Codeine Sulfate Tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) • Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) • Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) • Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Codeine Sulfate Tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) • Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver, both when initiating and renewing treatment with Codeine Sulfate Tablets, especially if the patient has additional risk factors for overdose, or close contacts at risk for exposure and overdose. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 ) • Initiate treatment with 15 to 60 mg every 4 hours as needed for pain, and at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia. Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient’s response to their initial dose of Codeine Sulfate Tablets. ( 2.3 ) • Periodically reassess patients receiving Codeine Sulfate Tablets to evaluate the continued need for opioid analgesics to maintain pain control, for the signs or symptoms of adverse reactions, and for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. ( 2.4 ) • Do not rapidly reduce or abruptly discontinue Codeine Sulfate Tablets in a physically-dependent patient because rapid reduction or abrupt discontinuation of opioid analgesics has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. ( 2.5 , 5.16 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions • Codeine Sulfate Tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. • Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )] . Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of Codeine Sulfate Tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. • Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. • There is variability in the opioid analgesic dose and duration needed to adequately manage pain due both to the cause of pain and to individual patient factors. Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . • Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Codeine Sulfate Tablets. Consider this risk …

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Each 15 mg tablet for oral administration contains 15 mg of codeine sulfate, USP. It is a white to off-white biconvex tablet with “15” debossed on the scored side and “54 613” debossed on the other side. Each 30 mg tablet for oral administration contains 30 mg of codeine sulfate, USP. It is a white to off-white biconvex tablet with “30” debossed on the scored side and “54 783” debossed on the other side. Each 60 mg tablet for oral administration contains 60 mg of codeine sulfate, USP. It is a white to off-white biconvex tablet with “60” debossed on the scored side and “54 412” debossed on the other side. Tablets: 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg ( 3 )

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Codeine Sulfate Tablets are contraindicated for: • All children younger than 12 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . • Post-operative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Codeine Sulfate Tablets are also contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )]. • Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )]. • Hypersensitivity to codeine (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . • Children younger than 12 years of age. • Postoperative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. ( 4 ) • Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) • Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days. ( 4 ) • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) • Hypersensitivity to codeine. ( 4 )

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Children [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] • Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] • Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of codeine were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Serious adverse reactions associated with codeine were respiratory depression and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest. The most frequently observed adverse reactions with codeine administration included drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and constipation. Other adverse reactions included allergic reactions, euphoria, dysphoria, abdominal pain, and pruritis. Other less frequently observed adverse reactions expected from opioid analgesics, including Codeine Sulfate Tablets, include: Cardiovascular System : faintness, flushing, hypotension, palpitations, syncope Digestive System : abdominal cramps, anorexia, diarrhea, dry mouth, gastrointestinal distress, pancreatitis Nervous System : anxiety, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, nervousness, shakiness, somnolence, vertigo, visual disturbances, weakness Skin and Appendages : rash, sweating, urticaria Serotonin Syndrome : Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal Insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Codeine Sulfate Tablets. Androgen Deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . Hypoglycemia : Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes). Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED): Cases of OIED have been reported in patients taking opioids and may occur more frequently in patients taking higher doses of opioids, and/or in patients taking opioids longer term [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] . Adverse Reactions from Observational Studies A prospective, observational cohort study estimated the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse in patients initiating long-term use of Schedule II opioid analgesics between 2017 and 2021. Study participants included in one or more analyses had been enrolled in selected insurance plans or health systems for at least one year, were free of at least one outcome at baseline, completed a minimum number of follow-up assessments, and either: 1) filled multiple extend …

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with codeine sulfate tablets. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Codeine Sulfate Tablets Inhibitors of CYP3A4 C li n i cal Impact: The concomitant use of codeine sulfate tablets with CYP3A4 inhibitors, may result in an increase in codeine plasma concentrations with subsequently greater metabolism by cytochrome CYP2D6, resulting in greater morphine levels, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of codeine sulfate tablets is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, it may result in lower codeine levels, greater norcodeine levels, and less metabolism via CYP2D6 with resultant lower morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to codeine. Intervention: If concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitor is necessary, consider dosage reduction of codeine sulfate tablets until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the codeine sulfate tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Assess for signs of opioid withdrawal. E xamples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir). CY P 3A4 Inducers C li n i cal Impact: The concomitant use of codeine sulfate tablets and CYP3A4 inducers can result in lower codeine levels, greater norcodeine levels, and less metabolism via 2D6 with resultant lower morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ) ] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, codeine plasma concentrations may increase with subsequently greater metabolism by cytochrome CYP2D6, resulting in greater morphine levels [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use of a CYP3A4 inducer is necessary, evaluate patients at frequent intervals for reduced efficacy and signs of opioid withdrawal and consider increasing the codeine sulfate tablets dosage as needed. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider codeine sulfate tablets dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. E xamples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin. Inhibitors of CYP2D6 C li n i cal Impact: Codeine is metabolized by CYP2D6 to form morphine. The concomitant use of codeine sulfate tablets and CYP2D6 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of codeine, but can decrease the plasma concentration of active metabolite morphine, which could result in reduced analgesic efficacy or symptoms of opioid withdrawal, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of codeine sulfate tablets is achieved [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . After stopping a CYP2D6 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the codeine plasma concentration will decrease but the active metabolite morphine plasma concentration will increase, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . Intervention: If concomitant use with a CYP2D6 inhibitor is necessary, or if a CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued after concomitant use, consider dosage adjustment of codeine sulfate tablets and evaluate patients at frequent intervals. If concomitant us …

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy R i sk Summary: Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Available data with codeine sulfate tablets are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, codeine administration during organogenesis has been shown to produce delayed ossification in the offspring of mice at 1.4 times maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 360 mg/day, embryolethal and fetotoxic effects in the offspring of rats and hamsters at approximately 2 to 3 times the MRHD, and cranial malformations/cranioschisis in the offspring of hamsters between 2 and 8 times the MRHD [s ee D ata ] . All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. C li n i cal Considerations: F etal/Neonatal Adverse Reaction s: Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . L abor or Delivery: Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Codeine sulfate tablets are not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including codeine sulfate tablets, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression. D ata: A nimal Data: Studies on the reproductive and developmental effects of codeine have been reported in the published literature in hamsters, rats, mice and rabbits. In a study in which pregnant hamsters were administered 150 mg/kg twice daily of codeine (oral; approximately 7 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 360 mg/day for adults on a mg/m 2 basis) during organogenesis cranial malformations (i.e., meningoencephalocele) in several fetuses were reported; as well as the observation of increases in the percentage of resorptions per litter. Doses of 50 and 150 mg/kg, bid resulted in fetotoxicity as demonstrated by decreased fetal body weight. In an earlier study in hamsters, single oral doses of 73 to 360 mg/kg level on Gestation Day 8 (oral; approximately 2 to 8 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 360 mg/day for adults on a mg/m 2 basis), reportedly produced cranioschisis in all of the fetuses examined. In studies in rats, doses at the 120 mg/kg level (oral; approximately 3 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 360 mg/day for adults on a mg/m 2 basis) during organogenesis, in the toxic range for the adult animal, w …

12.1 Mechanism of Action Codeine sulfate is an opioid agonist relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, but with a much weaker affinity than morphine. The analgesic properties of codeine have been speculated to come from its conversion to morphine, although the exact mechanism of analgesic action remains unknown.

11 DESCRIPTION Codeine Sulfate Tablets, USP contain codeine, an opioid agonist, available for oral administration containing either 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg of codeine sulfate, USP. The chemical name is morphinan-6-ol,7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-(5α,6α)-, sulfate (2:1) (salt), trihydrate. Its molecular formula is (C 18 H 21 NO 3 ) 2 • H 2 SO 4 • 3H 2 O and its molecular weight is 750.85 g/mol. Its structure is as follows: Codeine sulfate trihydrate is a fine, white, crystalline powder which is soluble in water and insoluble in chloroform and ether. The inactive ingredients in Codeine Sulfate Tablets, USP include: colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch and stearic acid. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE C li n i cal Presentation: Acute overdose with codeine can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. T reatment of Overdose: In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to opioid overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of codeine in codeine sulfate tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid overdose reversal agent is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional reversal agent as directed by the product’s prescribing information. In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the opioid overdose reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the reversal agent should be begun with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the reversal agent.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Codeine Sulfate Tablets, USP 15 mg Tablet: supplied as white, round, uncoated tablets scored on one side, debossed “15” on the scored side and “LCI” on the other side. NDC 0527-1727-91: Unit-Dose, 25 Tablets per Blister Card, 4 Blister Cards per Carton 30 mg Tablet: supplied as white, round, uncoated tablets scored on one side, debossed “30” on the scored side and “LCI” on the other side. NDC 0527-1698-91: Unit-Dose, 25 Tablets per Blister Card, 4 Blister Cards per Carton NDC 0527-1698-01: Bottle of 100 Tablets 60 mg Tablet: supplied as white, round, uncoated tablets scored on one side, debossed “1699” on the scored side and “LCI” on the other side. NDC 0527-1699-01: Bottle of 100 Tablets Storage Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from moisture. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP/NF. Blisters are not child-resistant. Use child-resistant closure if dispensing to outpatient. Store codeine sulfate tablets securely and dispose of properly.