Codeine

Codeine is an <a href="/facts/Opiate/IHfQkMkU">opiate</a> and <a href="/facts/Prodrug/cg0GNhH0">prodrug</a> of <a href="/facts/Morphine/8ngpXHDc">morphine</a> mainly used to treat <a href="/facts/Pain/70E79oUn">pain</a>, <a href="/facts/Cough_medicine/2Qe0AjMx">coughing</a>, and <a href="/facts/Diarrhea/6TBHaRdA">diarrhea</a>. It is also commonly used as a <a href="/facts/Recreational_drug/eoBD3vKn">recreational drug</a>. It is found naturally in the sap of the <a href="/facts/Opium_poppy/C3qaRQYw">opium poppy</a>, Papaver somniferum. It is typically used to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain. Greater benefit may occur <a href="/facts/Codeine%2fparacetamol/WhMVYNNG">when combined</a> with <a href="/facts/Paracetamol/SNDfQWcf">paracetamol</a> (acetaminophen) or a <a href="/facts/Nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drug/coIkzl4s">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug</a> (NSAID) such as <a href="/facts/Aspirin/opMK4qLk">aspirin</a> or <a href="/facts/Ibuprofen/vsKBTfVl">ibuprofen</a>. Evidence does not support its use for acute cough suppression in children. In Europe, it is not recommended as a cough medicine for those under 12 years of age. It is generally taken by mouth. It typically starts working after half an hour, with maximum effect at two hours. Its effects last for about four to six hours. Codeine exhibits abuse potential similar to other opioid medications, including a risk of <a href="/facts/Addiction/76UrWQuT">addiction</a> and <a href="/facts/Opioid_overdose/Xh6gR4HM">overdose</a>. 
Common side effects include <a href="/facts/Nausea/dyhkcbeD">nausea</a>, <a href="/facts/Vomiting/R2vQkHqV">vomiting</a>, <a href="/facts/Constipation/l4DHHM6L">constipation</a>, <a href="/facts/Pruritis/MBWq6SPc">itchiness</a>, <a href="/facts/Lightheadedness/Gcuruugy">lightheadedness</a>, and <a href="/facts/Drowsiness/mIlFhyf0">drowsiness</a>. Serious side effects may include breathing difficulties and addiction. Whether its use in <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a> is safe is unclear. Care should be used during <a href="/facts/Breastfeeding/cdWXyYDX">breastfeeding</a>, as it may result in <a href="/facts/Opiate_toxicity/Xh6gR4HM">opiate toxicity</a> in the baby. Its use as of 2016 is not recommended in children. Codeine works following being broken down by the liver into morphine; how quickly this occurs depends on a person's <a href="/facts/Genetics/bu8wne0A">genetics</a>.
Codeine was discovered in 1832 by <a href="/facts/Pierre_Jean_Robiquet/SNgXPP0n">Pierre Jean Robiquet</a>. 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. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. Codeine occurs naturally and makes up about 2% of <a href="/facts/Opium/JzHUtced">opium</a>.

Codeine open-in-new

Codeine