Codeine is an opioid medication commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain and to reduce coughing. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain and suppresses the cough reflex in the brain, making it effective for cough suppression in cases of severe or persistent cough.Codeine is often prescribed in combination with other medications like acetaminophen for enhanced pain relief. Due to its potential for addiction, codeine is typically used for short-term treatment and under strict medical supervision.