| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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illicit; approved |
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Description
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An opioid analgesic related to morphine but with less potent analgesic properties and mild sedative effects. It also acts centrally to suppress cough. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For treatment and management of pain (Systemic), also used as an Antidiarrheal and as a cough suppressant. |
| Pharmacology |
Codeine, an opiate agonist in the CNS, is similar to other phenanthrene derivatives such as morphine. Codeine, in combination with guaifenesin or iodinated glycerol, is used as a cough suppressant and, as a single agent or in combination with acetaminophen or other products, is used for pain control and as an antidiarrheal agent. |
| Toxicity |
Respiratory depression, sedation and miosis and common symptoms of overdose. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, skeletal muscle flaccidity, bradycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin. Apnea and death may ensue. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
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| Biotransformation |
Hepatic. Codeine is a prodrug, itself inactive, but demethylated to the active morphine by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. |
| Absorption |
Well absorbed following oral administration with a bioavailability of approximately 90%. |
| Half Life |
2-4 hours |
| Protein Binding |
7-25% |
| References |
| • |
Schroeder K, Fahey T: Over-the-counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004 Oct 18;(4):CD001831.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Vree TB, van Dongen RT, Koopman-Kimenai PM: Codeine analgesia is due to codeine-6-glucuronide, not morphine. Int J Clin Pract. 2000 Jul-Aug;54(6):395-8.
[Pubmed]
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| • |
Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR: Analgesic effects of codeine-6-glucuronide after intravenous administration. Eur J Pain. 1997;1(3):185-90.
[Pubmed]
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| External Links |
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