What are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines? Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that can be sold directly to people without a prescription. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional, as opposed to prescription drugs, which may be sold only to consumers possessing a valid prescription. CODEINE is a pain reliever. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of generic Codeine is around $20.93, 62% off the average retail price of $56.47. Acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in America. There are more than 600 medicines that contain acetaminophen as an active ingredient, including prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as Tylenol. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Codeine Addiction and Abuse. Though codeine is less potent than its drug relative morphine, it still holds powerful and addictive properties for the many people who abuse it worldwide. Codeine is an opiate used to treat pain, as a cough medicine, and for diarrhea. It is typically used to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain. Greater benefit may occur when combined with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Evidence does not support its use for acute cough. To get codeine, you need a doctor's prescription. You can buy codeine-containing medications from a pharmacy. Here you will find more information on what codeine is, what it's used for, how it works, its risks and alternative treatment options. Those with liver disease must be aware that the three most common pain relievers could be hazardous to a compromised liver – even at a reasonable dosage.