Clinical data | |
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Pronunciation | /ˈkoʊdiːn/ |
Other names | 3-Methylmorphine |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682065 |
License data | |
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Dependence liability | High |
Addiction liability | High[2] |
Routes of administration | By mouth, rectal, subcutaneous, intramuscular |
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ATC code | |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | c. 60% (by mouth)[3] |
Metabolism | Liver: CYP2D6 (to morphine), CYP3A4 (to norcodeine), UGT2B7 (to 3- and 6-glucuronides of codeine, norcodeine, and morphine)[5] |
Metabolites |
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Onset of action | 15–30 minutes[4] |
Elimination half-life | 2.5–3 hours |
Duration of action | 4–6 hours[4] |
Identifiers | |
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CAS Number | |
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IUPHAR/BPS | |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.882 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C18H21NO3 |
Molar mass | 299.370 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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(what is this?) (verify) |
Codeine is an opiate and prodrug of morphine mainly used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It is also commonly used as a recreational drug. It is found naturally in the sap of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum.[4][6] It is typically used to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain.[4][failed verification] Greater benefit may occur when combined with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.[4] Evidence does not support its use for acute cough suppression in children.[7][8] In Europe, it is not recommended as a cough medicine for those under 12 years of age.[4] It is generally taken by mouth.[4] It typically starts working after half an hour, with maximum effect at two hours.[4] Its effects last for about four to six hours. Codeine exhibits abuse potential similar to other opioid medications, including a risk of addiction and overdose.[4]
Common side effects include vomiting, constipation, itchiness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness.[4] Serious side effects may include breathing difficulties and addiction.[4] Whether its use in pregnancy is safe is unclear.[4] Care should be used during breastfeeding, as it may result in opiate toxicity in the baby.[4] Its use as of 2016 is not recommended in children.[9] Codeine works following being broken down by the liver into morphine; how quickly this occurs depends on a person's genetics.[4]
Codeine was discovered in 1832 by Pierre Jean Robiquet.[10] In 2013, about 361,000 kg (795,000 lb) of codeine were produced while 249,000 kg (549,000 lb) were used, which made it the most commonly taken opiate.[11] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[12] Codeine occurs naturally and makes up about 2% of opium.[10]
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