I am allergic to codeine.
ko-de-I-na — four syllables, stress on third. Internationally recognised term.
Tell any doctor prescribing cough medicines, painkillers, or anaesthetic medications. Codeine is found in combined products.
'Codeina' = codeine — an opioid used in cough syrups ('sciroppi per la tosse') and combined painkillers. Codeine allergy can cause urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. Patients with codeine allergy should avoid related opioids. In Italy, codeine-containing cough syrups are prescription-only ('ricetta obbligatoria'). CYP2D6 'poor metabolisers' do not convert codeine to morphine — so it is ineffective for them rather than causing allergy.
Ho una reazione agli oppioidi in generale.
I have a reaction to opioids in general.
Broader opioid intolerance — affects choice of post-operative pain management
La morfina mi dà nausea intollerabile.
Morphine gives me intolerable nausea.
Opioid-induced nausea — an adverse effect, not necessarily true allergy
Posso prendere il tramadolo invece della codeina?
Can I take tramadol instead of codeine?
Tramadol is an alternative opioid — but cross-reactions are rare, usually safe
Codeine is classified as a controlled substance in Italy and requires a special prescription ('ricetta stupefacenti') for pure codeine preparations. However, it is contained in combination products (cough syrups, some analgesics) at lower doses that require regular prescriptions. Italy strictly controls opioid prescribing — pharmacists log all controlled substance dispensing in national registries. Italian palliative care specialists ('cure palliative') advocate for better opioid access for terminal patients.