Comprehensive medication guide to Ninjacof XG including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic codeine/guaifenesin on most plans; brand-name Ninjacof XG may be on a higher formulary tier. Generics typically covered at Tier 1–2. Coverage varies by plan.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$15–$60 retail for a 16 oz (473 mL) bottle; as low as $4–$20 with GoodRx or SingleCare discount coupons at participating pharmacies. Note: some pharmacies restrict coupon use for opioid products.
Medfinder Findability Score
55/100
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Ninjacof XG is a brand-name prescription oral liquid manufactured by Centurion Labs, LLC (Birmingham, AL). Each 5 mL teaspoon contains codeine phosphate 8 mg — an opioid cough suppressant — and guaifenesin 200 mg, an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus in the airways. The solution has a cotton candy flavor and is dispensed in 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottles.
Ninjacof XG is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance under the DEA Controlled Substances Act. It requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider with DEA registration and is not approved for patients under 18 years of age.
Generic equivalents containing the same active ingredients include Cheratussin AC, Guaiatussin AC, Virtussin AC, and Mar-Cof CG, among others.
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Ninjacof XG combines two complementary mechanisms of action. Codeine phosphate is an opioid that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the cough center (medullary cough center) of the brainstem. By reducing the sensitivity of these neural circuits, codeine suppresses the cough reflex — decreasing the frequency and intensity of coughing.
Codeine is metabolized in the liver to its active form (morphine) via the CYP2D6 enzyme. Individual variation in CYP2D6 activity explains why some patients respond differently to codeine — poor metabolizers may find it less effective, while ultra-rapid metabolizers may experience stronger effects.
Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant by stimulating respiratory tract secretions, diluting thick mucus so it becomes less viscous and easier to move through the airways. Adequate fluid intake enhances this effect. Together, the two ingredients address both the cough reflex and mucus clearance — making Ninjacof XG effective for cough with congestion.
8 mg/200 mg per 5 mL — Oral liquid solution
Codeine phosphate 8 mg + Guaifenesin 200 mg per 5 mL. Cotton candy flavor. 473 mL (16 fl oz) bottle.
Ninjacof XG has a findability score of 55 out of 100, reflecting intermittent availability at retail pharmacies. It is not on the FDA drug shortage list as of 2026, but patients frequently report difficulty locating it at their usual pharmacy. The primary reasons are its controlled substance status (pharmacies have discretion over which opioid products they stock) and its limited distribution as a specialty brand from Centurion Labs.
Demand typically spikes during fall and winter cold and flu season, when opioid cough syrup stocks can be quickly depleted at pharmacies that do carry the product. Independent pharmacies may be more willing to special order Ninjacof XG than major chains.
If you're struggling to find Ninjacof XG at your pharmacy, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones can fill your prescription — saving you the time and effort of calling around yourself.
Because Ninjacof XG contains codeine — a Schedule V controlled substance — it must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider who holds a valid DEA registration. Most licensed prescribers qualify, including those in primary care and specialty settings.
Telehealth providers with valid DEA registration can generally prescribe Schedule V controlled substances in most states as of 2026. Platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, and PlushCare offer same-day or next-day appointments. Check your specific state's telehealth prescribing regulations for current requirements.
Yes. Ninjacof XG is a Schedule V controlled substance under the DEA Controlled Substances Act. Schedule V includes preparations containing limited quantities of codeine (not more than 200 mg per 100 mL or per 100 g) combined with other non-narcotic active ingredients. At 8 mg per 5 mL (= 160 mg per 100 mL), Ninjacof XG falls within the Schedule V classification.
Practical implications for patients: A valid prescription from a licensed DEA-registered provider is required. The prescription cannot be refilled without prescriber authorization in most states. It is illegal to share, sell, or transfer this medication. Pharmacies must maintain secure storage and DEA-compliant record keeping for all Schedule V products.
Because it is a controlled substance, some pharmacies may decline to fill or may not stock Ninjacof XG. Patients may need to search multiple pharmacies or request a special order. The controlled substance classification also means that discount cards such as GoodRx may not always be accepted by the dispensing pharmacy for this specific product.
The following side effects are common and typically mild:
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Cheratussin AC / Guaiatussin AC
Generic codeine/guaifenesin oral solutions with the same active ingredients as Ninjacof XG. More widely distributed and often less expensive. Prescription required.
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Non-opioid prescription cough suppressant. Works by numbing airway stretch receptors. Available as 100 mg or 200 mg capsules. Not a controlled substance and widely stocked.
Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin (Robitussin DM, Mucinex DM)
Non-opioid OTC cough suppressor combined with expectorant. Available without prescription. A reasonable bridge option or alternative for mild-to-moderate cough.
Promethazine/Codeine
Another opioid cough syrup combining codeine with the antihistamine promethazine rather than guaifenesin. Schedule V controlled substance. Prescription required.
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Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan)
majorCombining opioids with benzodiazepines carries an FDA boxed warning. Can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, extreme sedation, coma, and death.
Other Opioids (morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone)
majorAdditive opioid effects greatly increase risk of overdose, respiratory depression, and death.
Alcohol
majorBoth alcohol and codeine are CNS depressants. Combining them increases risk of respiratory depression, extreme sedation, and overdose.
MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
majorDo not use within 14 days of MAOI use. Can cause severe CNS toxicity and serotonin syndrome.
Sleep Medications (zolpidem, eszopiclone)
moderateAdditive CNS depression and sedation. Increases fall risk and respiratory depression.
Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, promethazine)
moderateEnhanced drowsiness and CNS depression when combined with codeine.
CYP2D6 Inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion)
moderateMay reduce conversion of codeine to its active form (morphine), potentially decreasing effectiveness. May also affect drug clearance.
Muscle Relaxants (cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol)
moderateEnhanced sedation when combined with codeine.
Ninjacof XG is an effective short-term prescription cough syrup for adults, combining the cough-suppressing power of codeine with the mucus-thinning properties of guaifenesin. It is particularly useful for dry, persistent coughs that interfere with sleep or daily activities. However, as a controlled substance, it carries important safety considerations including opioid dependence risk, respiratory depression warnings, and significant drug interaction potential.
The main practical challenge with Ninjacof XG in 2026 is availability. Because it's a specialty brand with controlled substance status, not all pharmacies stock it. If you can't find it, generic codeine/guaifenesin oral solutions (Cheratussin AC, Guaiatussin AC, Virtussin AC) contain the same active ingredients and are more widely distributed.
If you need help finding Ninjacof XG at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can call pharmacies in your area on your behalf and text you the results — making the search much faster and less frustrating.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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