Codeine safety data

GHS hazards, precautions, first aid, handling and transport for Codeine. A classification summary, not a safety data sheet.

CAS 76-57-3Formula C₁₈H₂₁NO₃

Narcotic drug

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Reference: UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, HS 2022 subheading 2939.11 (opium alkaloids and their derivatives)

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GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

GHS classification

Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification

Corrosive

Harmful or irritant

Serious health hazard

Signal word

Danger

Hazard classes and categories

Acute Tox. 4 (oral)
Skin Sens. 1
Eye Dam. 1
STOT SE 3 (narcotic effects)
Repr. 2
Lact.

Hazard statements

H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement

Health hazards

H302Harmful if swallowed.
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H318Causes serious eye damage.
H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
H361dSuspected of damaging the unborn child.
H362May cause harm to breast-fed children.

Precautionary statements

P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal

Prevention

P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P263Avoid contact during pregnancy and while nursing.
P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.

Response

P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P317Get medical help.
P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
P330Rinse mouth.
P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.

Storage

P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P405Store locked up.

Disposal

P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

First aid

General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell

If inhaled

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area, take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used, if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

Skin contact

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Eye contact

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

If swallowed

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. OTHER: This chemical is legally restricted.

Handling, storage and disposal

Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade

Safe handling

Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU). /Codeine monohydrate/ Skin protection: Handle with gloves. /Codeine monohydrate/

Storage

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature 2 - 8 °C /Codeine monohydrate/ Codeine sulfate tablets should be stored in well-closed, light-resistant containers at a temperature less than 40 °C, preferably between 15-30 °C.

Disposal

SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator. Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company, Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product. /Codeine monohydrate/

Exposure limits and toxicity

Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data

Toxic doses of codeine may produce exhilaration, excitement, seizures, delirium, hypotension, miosis, slow pulse, tachycardia, narcosis, flushed facies, tinnitus, lassitude, muscular weakness, and circulatory collapse or respiratory paralysis. Cardiovascular side effects, ataxia, and headache have been observed in cases of accidental exposure. Respiratory arrest, coma, and death have occurred in young children receiving oral codeine doses of 5-12 mg/kg. Codeine should not be prescribed to children due to its poor analgesic effect and risk of opioid toxicity and oversedation.

Supplier safety data sheets

SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical

No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Codeine yet.

Safety questions

Quick answers about handling Codeine safely

Is Codeine hazardous?

Codeine carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, may cause an allergic skin reaction, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

Which GHS pictograms apply to Codeine?

The GHS classification of Codeine shows 3 pictograms: GHS05 (corrosive), GHS07 (harmful or irritant), GHS08 (serious health hazard).

How should Codeine be stored?

Where can I get the SDS for Codeine?

Ask the supplier for the safety data sheet of the exact grade you buy. Suppliers on CompoundList can attach their SDS to listings and send it with a quote. This page is a GHS classification summary, not an SDS.

GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error