No, codeine is a prescription-only medication in Spain.
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Codeine is a narcotic pain medication that is often used to treat short-term pain and suppress coughs. While it is readily available over-the-counter in some countries, this is not the case in Spain. In fact, codeine is considered a prescription-only medication in Spain, requiring a physician’s recommendation before it can be procured.
According to the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, “Codeine is classified as a prescription-only medicine in Spain, with a category 3 warning relating to its potential for dependence and abuse.” This designation means that it is subject to stricter regulations than some other medications, and is only available to individuals who have been diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
Interestingly, despite its popularity as a pain reliever in other countries, codeine is not one of the most commonly prescribed medications in Spain. In fact, it ranks relatively low on the list of most frequently prescribed drugs, with medications for high cholesterol, hypertension, and depression topping the charts.
In addition to its potential for abuse and addiction, codeine can also cause a range of side effects, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. While it can be a helpful pain reliever for some patients, it is important to use codeine only as directed by a medical professional and to be aware of its potential risks.
As the Spanish Ministry of Health notes, “Medicines should always be used responsibly and only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Patients should not use drugs, including codeine, without medical oversight.” In other words, while codeine is available only by prescription in Spain, it is ultimately up to individuals to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing. As the famous saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Table: Commonly Prescribed Medications in Spain
Rank Medication
1 Atorvastatin (cholesterol-lowering medication)
2 Enalapril (ACE inhibitor for hypertension)
3 Sertraline (antidepressant)
4 Esomeprazole (proton pump inhibitor for acid reflux)
5 Atenolol (beta-blocker for hypertension)
6 Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement)
7 Gliclazide (oral blood sugar-lowering medication)
8 Losartan (ARB for hypertension)
9 Metformin (oral blood sugar-lowering medication)
10 Paracetamol/codeine (pain relief)
Note: This list is based on data from the Spanish Ministry of Health’s National Prescription Database for the year 2019.
Associated video
The video explores how Americans can find lower prices on prescription drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. A man finds out that he can buy most drugs without a prescription, including Vicodin and Viagra, for lower prices in Tijuana. However, he decides against buying Vicodin as it is cheaper in the US but buys two other prescribed medications for lower prices in pesos, which translates into lower dollars when compared to the US.