Products containing up to 12.5 mg of codeine per tablet are available over-the-counter in Australia. Products containing higher quanitites require a prescription. A new product "Panadeine 15" or "Panadeine Plus" that contains 15mg codeine and is available over-the-counter (Pharmacy Only) but we have not been able to determine how this fits with the 12.5 mg limit). Panadeine Forte/Codalgin Forte (500mg acetaminophen/paracetamol, 30mg codeine) are available by prescription and require special authorization for large prescriptions. (thanks SF)

Products containing low to moderate doses of codeine are available for puchase over-the-counter in the Bahamas. One product, for example, is sold containing 8 mg codeine to 400mg aspirin.

Codeine is Schedule I in Canada. Products containing low quantities of codeine (such as Tylenol 1) can be purchased over-the-counter, but products with higher quantities require a prescription.

We don't have any information about the exact legal status of codeine in the Cayman Islands, but we've been told that at least some pharmacies have it available without a prescription. (thanks E)

We've been told that in Greece, codeine is available only with a prescription. (unconfirmed)

We've been told that in Iran codeine is available over-the-counter without much control. (unconfirmed) (thanks MS)

Products containing codeine (such as products with Chlorpheniramine maleate or acetaminophen/paracetamol) can be purchased over-the-counter in Japan. (unconfirmed) (thanks G)

Products containing codeine (such as Tylenol w/codeine) can be purchased over-the-counter in Lebanon.

Products containing codeine (such as Tylenol w/codeine) can be purchased over-the-counter in Mexico.

We've been told that in Amsterdam, codeine is available only with a prescription. (unconfirmed)

Products containing low to moderate doses of codeine are available for puchase over-the-counter in the Nicaragua. Listed as controlled. (unconfirmed) (thanks MC)

Products containing up to 12 mg codeine per tablet can be purchased over-the-counter in New Zealand.

Products containing up to 15 mg codeine per dose are sold over-the-counter, usually/always with other ingredients such as acetaminophen/paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, sulfoguiacol, and other herbs. Higher doses of codeine require a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks N) (last updated jan 3 2010)

Tablets containing codeine plus other substances are sold in pharmacies, some are OTC, some are prescription only. Many pharmacies will sell without a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks X)

We received an unconfirmed report that codeine-containing medicines and syrups are available without restriction over-the-counter in Russia, such as Solpadeine (codeine and paracetamol) and Kodterpin. (thanks T)

Codeine-containing pain relievers are Class B in Singapore and require a prescription. (unconfirmed) (thanks DK)

As of 2004, codeine was available over-the-counter in some areas, but not in others. One contributor was able to buy "codeisan" 28.7mg pills at multiple pharmacies in Valencia and Sevilla, but pharmacies in Madrid told him that a prescription was required. It may be that the sales requirements had changed recently to be more restrictive. (unconfirmed) (thanks T)

Codeine-containing pain relievers such as Tylenol-2's are now reportedly controlled in Thailand, but are widely available for sale by pharmacists without a prescription. (thanks CP) (last updated Apr 2004)

Codeine is Schedule II/Class b in the U.K., making it illegal to buy or possess without a prescription. Products containing small amounts of codeine (such as Tylenol w/codeine, Feminax (8mg), and Solpadeine Max or Neurofen Plus (12.5mg)) are available over-the-counter without prescription.

We received an unconfirmed report that codeine-containing medicines and syrups are available without restriction over-the-counter in the Ukraine, such as Solpadeine (codeine and paracetamol) and Kodterpin. (thanks T)

Codeine-containing product called Preveral available over-the-counter in Venezuela. (unconfirmed) (thanks M)