which opioid is found in some otc cough syrups?

The opioid found in some over‑the‑counter (OTC) cough syrups (in places where it is still allowed) is codeine.

Quick answer

• Codeine is an opioid that can be included in certain cough medicines as a cough suppressant (antitussive).

• In many countries (including most of the U.S.), opioid cough syrups are now prescription‑only, and OTC options usually use dextromethorphan , which is not an opioid.

Important safety note

• Opioid‑containing cough products (like those with codeine or hydrocodone) carry risks of respiratory depression, misuse, addiction, and overdose , so regulators have restricted their use, especially in children and teens.

• Always follow local pharmacy laws and speak with a health professional or pharmacist before using any codeine‑containing cough syrup. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.