ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/codeine
Codeine is dosed at 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q6-12h in dogs, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Mu-opioid receptor agonist (prodrug converted to morphine by CYP2D6). Suppresses cough reflex in medullary cough center. Mild analgesic.
DEA Schedule II (alone) or V (in combination). Variable CYP2D6 metabolism across species. Constipation, sedation. Poor analgesic in dogs (CYP2D6 polymorphism).
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q6-12h | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.