Difference between revisions of "Codeine"

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| bioavailability = ~90% Oral
 
| bioavailability = ~90% Oral
 
| elimination_half-life = 2.5–3 h
 
| elimination_half-life = 2.5–3 h
| metabolism = [[Liver|Hepatic]], via [[CYP2D6]] (Cytochrome P450 2D6)<ref>{{cite journal |author=Shen H, He MM, Liu H, ''et al'' |title=Comparative metabolic capabilities and inhibitory profiles of CYP2D6.1, CYP2D6.10, and CYP2D6.17 |journal=Drug Metab. Dispos. |volume=35 |issue=8 |pages=1292–300 |year=2007 |month=August |pmid=17470523 |doi=10.1124/dmd.107.015354 |url=}}</ref>
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| metabolism = [[Liver|Hepatic]], via [[CYP2D6]] (Cytochrome P450 2D6)<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Shen H, He MM, Liu H, ''et al'' |title=Comparative metabolic capabilities and inhibitory profiles of CYP2D6.1, CYP2D6.10, and CYP2D6.17 |journal=Drug Metab. Dispos. |volume=35 |issue=8 |pages=1292–300 |year=2007 |month=August |pmid=17470523 |doi=10.1124/dmd.107.015354 |url=}}</ref>
 
| legal_AU = S8
 
| legal_AU = S8
 
| legal_CA = Schedule I
 
| legal_CA = Schedule I
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| legal_US = Schedule II
 
| legal_US = Schedule II
 
| legal_status =
 
| legal_status =
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| dependency_liability = Low - Moderate
 
| routes_of_administration = oral, intra-rectally, [[subcutaneous|SC]], [[intramuscular|IM]]
 
| routes_of_administration = oral, intra-rectally, [[subcutaneous|SC]], [[intramuscular|IM]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Codeine''' ([[International Nonproprietary Name|INN]]) or '''methylmorphine''' is an [[opiate]] used for its [[analgesic]], [[Cough medicine|antitussive]], and [[Antidiarrhoeal|antidiarrheal]] properties.
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'''Codeine''' ([[International Nonproprietary Name|INN]]) or '''3-methylmorphine''' (a natural isomer of methylated morphine, the other being the semi-synthetic [[heterocodeine|6-methylmorphine]]) is an [[opiate]] used for its [[analgesic]], [[Cough medicine|antitussive]], and [[Antidiarrhoeal|antidiarrheal]] properties. Codeine is the second-most predominant alkaloid in opium, at up to 3 per cent; it is much more prevalent in the Iranian poppy (''Papaver bractreatum''), and codeine is extracted from this species in some places although the below-mentioned morphine methylation process is still much more common.  It is considered the prototype of the weak to midrange opioids.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Codeine, or O-methylmorphine, is an [[alkaloid]] found in the [[opium poppy]], ''Papaver somniferum var. album'', a plant in the [[papaveraceae]] family. Opium poppy has been cultivated and utilized throughout human history for a variety of medicinal (analgesic, anti-tussive, anti-diarrheal...) and hypnotic properties linked to the diversity of its active components, which include morphine, codeine, papaverine...
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Codeine, or O-methylmorphine, is an [[alkaloid]] found in the [[opium poppy]], ''Papaver somniferum var. album'', a plant in the [[papaveraceae]] family. Opium poppy has been cultivated and utilized throughout human history for a variety of medicinal (analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrheal) and hypnotic properties linked to the diversity of its active components, which include morphine, codeine and papaverine.
  
Codeine is found in concentrations of 0.3 to 3.0 per cent in opium prepared by the latex method from unripe pods of ''Papaver somiferum''.  The concentration of codeine in the Iranian Poppy, ''Papaver bracteatum'', can be considerably higher.  The name codeine is derived from the Greek word ''kodeia'' for "poppy head."  The relative proportion of codeine to morphine, the most common opium alkaloid at 4 to 23 per cent, tends to be somewhat higher in the poppy straw method of preparing opium alkaloids.
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Codeine is found in concentrations of 0.3 to 3.0 per cent in opium prepared by the latex method from unripe pods of ''Papaver somniferum''.  The concentration of codeine in the Iranian Poppy, ''Papaver bracteatum'', can be considerably higher.  The name codeine is derived from the Greek word ''kodeia'' for "poppy head."  The relative proportion of codeine to morphine, the most common opium alkaloid at 4 to 23 per cent, tends to be somewhat higher in the poppy straw method of preparing opium alkaloids.
  
 
Until the beginning of the 19th century, raw opium was used in diverse preparations known as [[laudanum]] (see [[Thomas de Quincey]]'s "[[Confessions of an English Opium-Eater]]", 1821) and [[paregoric]] [[elixir]]s, a number of which were popular in England since the beginning of the 18th century; the original preparation seems to have been elaborated in Leiden, Holland around 1715 by  a chemist named Lemort; in 1721 the London Pharmocopeia mentions an Elixir Asthmaticum, replaced by the term Elixir Paregoricum ("pain soother") in 1746.
 
Until the beginning of the 19th century, raw opium was used in diverse preparations known as [[laudanum]] (see [[Thomas de Quincey]]'s "[[Confessions of an English Opium-Eater]]", 1821) and [[paregoric]] [[elixir]]s, a number of which were popular in England since the beginning of the 18th century; the original preparation seems to have been elaborated in Leiden, Holland around 1715 by  a chemist named Lemort; in 1721 the London Pharmocopeia mentions an Elixir Asthmaticum, replaced by the term Elixir Paregoricum ("pain soother") in 1746.
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==Pharmacology==
 
==Pharmacology==
Codeine is considered a [[prodrug]], since it is metabolised ''[[in vivo]]'' to the primary active compounds [[morphine]] and [[codeine-6-glucuronide]] (C6G).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Vree TB, van Dongen RT, Koopman-Kimenai PM |title=Codeine analgesia is due to codeine-6-glucuronide, not morphine |journal=Int. J. Clin. Practa. |volume=54 |issue=6 |pages=395&ndash;8 |year=2000 |pmid=11092114 |doi=}}</ref><ref name="Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR 1997 185–90">{{cite journal |author=Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR |title=Analgesic effects of codeine-6-glucuronide after intravenous administration |journal=European journal of pain (London, England) |volume=1 |issue=3 |pages=185&ndash;90 |year=1997 |pmid=15102399 |doi=10.1016/S1090-3801(97)90103-8}}</ref> Roughly 5-10% of codeine will be converted to morphine, with the remainder either free, conjugated to form codeine-6-glucuronide (~70%), or converted to [[norcodeine]] (~10%) and [[hydromorphone]] (~1%). It is less potent than morphine and has a correspondingly lower [[drug addiction|dependence]]-liability than morphine.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Vree TB, van Dongen RT, Koopman-Kimenai PM |title=Codeine analgesia is due to codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G), not morphine |journal=Int. J. Clin. Pract. |volume=54 |issue=6 |pages=395&ndash;8 |year=2000 |pmid=11092114 |doi=}}</ref>  Like all opioids, continued use of codeine induces [[physical dependence]] and can be [[Substance dependence|psychologically addictive]].  However, the withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild, and, as a consequence, codeine is considerably less addictive than the other opiates.
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Codeine is considered a [[prodrug]], since it is metabolised ''[[in vivo]]'' to the primary active compounds [[morphine]] and [[codeine-6-glucuronide]] (C6G).<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Vree TB, van Dongen RT, Koopman-Kimenai PM |title=Codeine analgesia is due to codeine-6-glucuronide, not morphine |journal=Int. J. Clin. Practa. |volume=54 |issue=6 |pages=395&ndash;8 |year=2000 |pmid=11092114 |doi=}}</ref><ref name="Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR 1997 185–90">{{Cite journal|author=Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR |title=Analgesic effects of codeine-6-glucuronide after intravenous administration |journal=European journal of pain (London, England) |volume=1 |issue=3 |pages=185&ndash;90 |year=1997 |pmid=15102399 |doi=10.1016/S1090-3801(97)90103-8}}</ref> Roughly 5-10% of codeine will be converted to morphine, with the remainder either free, conjugated to form codeine-6-glucuronide (~70%), or converted to [[norcodeine]] (~10%) and [[hydromorphone]] (~1%). It is less potent than morphine and has a correspondingly lower [[drug addiction|dependence]]-liability than morphine.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Vree TB, van Dongen RT, Koopman-Kimenai PM |title=Codeine analgesia is due to codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G), not morphine |journal=Int. J. Clin. Pract. |volume=54 |issue=6 |pages=395&ndash;8 |year=2000 |pmid=11092114 |doi=}}</ref>  Like all opioids, continued use of codeine induces [[physical dependence]] and can be [[Substance dependence|psychologically addictive]].  However, the withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild, and, as a consequence, codeine is considerably less addictive than the other opiates.{{Clarify|date=September 2010}}
  
A dose of approximately 200&nbsp;mg (oral) of codeine must be administered to give analgesia approximately equivalent to 30&nbsp;mg (oral) of morphine (Rossi, 2004). However, codeine is, in general, not used in single doses of greater than 60&nbsp;mg (and no more than 240&nbsp;mg in 24 hours)<ref>http://www.sdrl.com/druglist/codeine.html retrieved December 1, 2008</ref>. When analgesia beyond this is required, stronger opioids such as [[hydrocodone]] or [[oxycodone]] are favoured.
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A dose of approximately 200&nbsp;mg (oral) of codeine must be administered to give analgesia approximately equivalent to 30&nbsp;mg (oral) of morphine (Rossi, 2004). However, codeine is, in general, not used in single doses of greater than 60&nbsp;mg (and no more than 240&nbsp;mg in 24 hours).<ref>http://www.sdrl.com/druglist/codeine.html retrieved December 1, 2008</ref>  When analgesia beyond this is required, stronger opioids such as [[hydrocodone]] or [[oxycodone]] are favored.
  
Codeine is metabolized to C6G by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) 2B7, and, since only about 5% of codeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 [[CYP2D6]], the current evidence is that C6G is the primary active compound.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Armstrong SC, Cozza KL |title=Pharmacokinetic drug interactions of morphine, codeine, and their derivatives: theory and clinical reality, Part II |journal=Psychosomatics |volume=44 |issue=6 |pages=515–20 |year=2003 |pmid=14597688 |doi=10.1176/appi.psy.44.6.515}}</ref>  Claims about the supposed "ceiling effect" of codeine doses seemed to rest on the assumption that high doses of codeine saturated CYP2D6, which prevented further conversion of codeine to morphine, which is simply incorrect.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}}  There is also no evidence that CYP2D6 inhibition is useful in treating codeine dependence,<ref>{{cite journal |author=Fernandes LC, Kilicarslan T, Kaplan HL, Tyndale RF, Sellers EM, Romach MK |title=Treatment of codeine dependence with inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6 |journal=J Clin Psychopharmacol |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=326–9 |year=2002 |month=June |pmid=12006904 |doi=10.1097/00004714-200206000-00014}}</ref> though the metabolism of codeine to morphine (and hence further metabolism to glucuronide morphine conjugates) does have an effect on the abuse potential of codeine.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Kathiramalainathan K, Kaplan HL, Romach MK, ''et al.'' |title=Inhibition of cytochrome P450 2D6 modifies codeine abuse liability |journal=J Clin Psychopharmacol |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=435–44 |year=2000 |/00004714-200008000-00008}}</ref>
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Codeine is metabolized to C6G by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase [[UGT2B7]], and, since only about 5% of codeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 [[CYP2D6]], the current evidence is that C6G is the primary active compound.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Armstrong SC, Cozza KL |title=Pharmacokinetic drug interactions of morphine, codeine, and their derivatives: theory and clinical reality, Part II |journal=Psychosomatics |volume=44 |issue=6 |pages=515–20 |year=2003 |pmid=14597688 |doi=10.1176/appi.psy.44.6.515}}</ref>  Claims about the supposed "ceiling effect" of codeine doses seemed to rest on the assumption that high doses of codeine saturated CYP2D6, which prevented further conversion of codeine to morphine, which is simply incorrect.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}}  There is also no evidence that CYP2D6 inhibition is useful in treating codeine dependence,<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Fernandes LC, Kilicarslan T, Kaplan HL, Tyndale RF, Sellers EM, Romach MK |title=Treatment of codeine dependence with inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6 |journal=J Clin Psychopharmacol |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=326–9 |year=2002 |month=June |pmid=12006904 |doi=10.1097/00004714-200206000-00014}}</ref> though the metabolism of codeine to morphine (and hence further metabolism to glucuronide morphine conjugates) does have an effect on the abuse potential of codeine.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi=10.1097/00004714-200008000-00008 |author=Kathiramalainathan K, Kaplan HL, Romach MK, ''et al.'' |title=Inhibition of cytochrome P450 2D6 modifies codeine abuse liability |journal=J Clin Psychopharmacol |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=435–44 |year=2000 |isbn=0000800000008 |pmid=10917405}}</ref>
  
 
==Pharmacokinetics==
 
==Pharmacokinetics==
The conversion of codeine to morphine occurs in the liver and is catalysed by the [[cytochrome P450]] enzyme [[CYP2D6]]. [[CYP3A4]] produces norcodeine and [[UGT2B7]] conjugates codeine, norcodeine, and morphine to the corresponding 3- and 6- glucuronides. Approximately 6&ndash;10% of the Caucasian population, 2% of Asians, and 1% of Arabs<ref>{{cite web |url=http://codeine.50g.com/info/codeine.html |title=Codeine Information - Facts - Codeine |accessdate=2007-07-16 |work=}}</ref> are "poor metabolizers"; they have little CYP2D6, and codeine is less effective for analgesia in these patients (Rossi, 2004). Srinivasan, Wielbo and Tebbett speculate that codeine-6-glucuronide is responsible for a large percentage of the analgesia of codeine, and, thus, these patients should experience some analgesia.<ref name="Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR 1997 185–90"/> Many of the adverse effects will still be experienced in poor metabolizers.  Conversely, 0.5-2% of the population are "extensive metabolizers"; multiple copies of the gene for 2D6 produce high levels of CYP2D6 and will metabolize drugs through that pathway more quickly than others.
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The conversion of codeine to morphine occurs in the liver and is catalysed by the [[cytochrome P450]] enzyme [[CYP2D6]]. [[CYP3A4]] produces norcodeine and [[UGT2B7]] conjugates codeine, norcodeine, and morphine to the corresponding 3- and 6- glucuronides. Approximately 6&ndash;10% of the Caucasian population, 2% of Asians, and 1% of Arabs<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://codeine.50g.com/info/codeine.html |title=Codeine Information - Facts - Codeine |accessdate=2007-07-16 |work=}}</ref> are "poor metabolizers"; they have little CYP2D6, and codeine is less effective for analgesia in these patients (Rossi, 2004). Srinivasan, Wielbo and Tebbett speculate that codeine-6-glucuronide is responsible for a large percentage of the analgesia of codeine, and, thus, these patients should experience some analgesia.<ref name="Srinivasan V, Wielbo D, Tebbett IR 1997 185–90"/> Many of the adverse effects will still be experienced in poor metabolizers.  Conversely, 0.5-2% of the population are "extensive metabolizers"; multiple copies of the gene for 2D6 produce high levels of CYP2D6 and will metabolize drugs through that pathway more quickly than others.
  
 
Some medications are CYP2D6 inhibitors and reduce or even completely block the conversion of codeine to morphine. The most well-known of these are two of the [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s, [[paroxetine]] (Paxil) and  [[fluoxetine]] (Prozac) as well as the antihistamine [[diphenhydramine]] and the antidepressant, [[buproprion]] (Wellbutrin, also known as Zyban). Other drugs, such as [[rifampicin]] and [[dexamethasone]], induce CYP450 isozymes and thus increase the conversion rate.
 
Some medications are CYP2D6 inhibitors and reduce or even completely block the conversion of codeine to morphine. The most well-known of these are two of the [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]s, [[paroxetine]] (Paxil) and  [[fluoxetine]] (Prozac) as well as the antihistamine [[diphenhydramine]] and the antidepressant, [[buproprion]] (Wellbutrin, also known as Zyban). Other drugs, such as [[rifampicin]] and [[dexamethasone]], induce CYP450 isozymes and thus increase the conversion rate.
  
While a CYP2D6 extensive metaboliser (EM) needs higher doses of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 to maintain sufficient plasma levels for therapeutic effect and a poor metaboliser (PM) may suffer from drug toxicity due to slow drug clearance and excessive plasma concentration, prodrugs like codeine have the opposite effect. Thus an EM may have adverse effects from a rapid buildup of codeine metabolites while a PM may get little or no pain relief. CYP2D6 is dysfunctional in 7% of white and black Americans, resulting in reduced metabolism of codeine. Other individuals may have two or more copies of the CYP2D6 gene, resulting in rapid metabolism of the target drug. CYP2D6 metabolizes and activates codeine into morphine, which then undergoes glucuronidation. Life-threatening intoxication, including respiratory depression requiring intubation, can develop over a matter of days in patients who have multiple functional alleles of CYP2D6, resulting in ultra-rapid metabolism of opioids such as codeine into morphine.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lurcott G |title=The effects of the genetic absence and inhibition of CYP2D6 on the metabolism of codeine and its derivatives, hydrocodone and oxycodone |journal=Anesth Prog |volume=45 |issue=4 |pages=154–6 |year=1998 |pmid=10483388 |pmc=2148980}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Gasche Y, Daali Y, Fathi M, ''et al.'' |title=Codeine intoxication associated with ultrarapid CYP2D6 metabolism |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=351 |issue=27 |pages=2827–31 |year=2004 |month=December |pmid=15625333 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa041888}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Caraco Y |title=Genes and the response to drugs |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=351 |issue=27 |pages=2867–9 |year=2004 |month=December |pmid=15625340 |doi=10.1056/NEJMe048278}}</ref>
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While a CYP2D6 extensive metaboliser (EM) needs higher doses of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 to maintain sufficient plasma levels for therapeutic effect and a poor metaboliser (PM) may suffer from drug toxicity due to slow drug clearance and excessive plasma concentration, prodrugs like codeine have the opposite effect. Thus an EM may have adverse effects from a rapid buildup of codeine metabolites while a PM may get little or no pain relief. CYP2D6 is dysfunctional in 7% of white and black Americans, resulting in reduced metabolism of codeine. Other individuals may have two or more copies of the CYP2D6 gene, resulting in rapid metabolism of the target drug. CYP2D6 metabolizes and activates codeine into morphine, which then undergoes glucuronidation. Life-threatening intoxication, including respiratory depression requiring intubation, can develop over a matter of days in patients who have multiple functional alleles of CYP2D6, resulting in ultra-rapid metabolism of opioids such as codeine into morphine.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Lurcott G |title=The effects of the genetic absence and inhibition of CYP2D6 on the metabolism of codeine and its derivatives, hydrocodone and oxycodone |journal=Anesth Prog |volume=45 |issue=4 |pages=154–6 |year=1998 |pmid=10483388 |pmc=2148980}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Gasche Y, Daali Y, Fathi M, ''et al.'' |title=Codeine intoxication associated with ultrarapid CYP2D6 metabolism |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=351 |issue=27 |pages=2827–31 |year=2004 |month=December |pmid=15625333 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa041888}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Caraco Y |title=Genes and the response to drugs |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=351 |issue=27 |pages=2867–9 |year=2004 |month=December |pmid=15625340 |doi=10.1056/NEJMe048278}}</ref>
  
 
The active metabolites of codeine, notably morphine, exert their effects by binding to and activating the μ-[[opioid receptor]].
 
The active metabolites of codeine, notably morphine, exert their effects by binding to and activating the μ-[[opioid receptor]].
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==Indications==
 
==Indications==
 
Approved indications for codeine include:
 
Approved indications for codeine include:
*[[Cough]], though its efficacy in low dose [[Over-the-counter drug|over the counter]] formulations has been disputed.<ref name="Cochrane2004-Schroeder">{{cite journal | author=Schroeder K, Fahey T | title=Over-the-counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings | journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev | pages=CD001831 | year=2001 | doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001831 | pmid=15495019 | issue=4}}</ref>
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*[[Cough]], though its efficacy in low dose [[Over-the-counter drug|over the counter]] formulations has been disputed.<ref name="Cochrane2004-Schroeder">{{Cite journal| author=Schroeder K, Fahey T | title=Over-the-counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings | journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev | pages=CD001831 | year=2001 | doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001831 | pmid=15495019 | issue=4}}</ref>
 
*[[Diarrhea]]
 
*[[Diarrhea]]
 
*Mild to moderate [[Pain and nociception|pain]]
 
*Mild to moderate [[Pain and nociception|pain]]
 
*[[Irritable bowel syndrome]]
 
*[[Irritable bowel syndrome]]
*[[Narcolepsy]]<ref>{{cite journal|last=Fry JM, Pressman MR, DiPhillipo MA, Forst-Paulus M|date=1986|title=Treatment of narcolepsy with codeine|journal=Sleep|volume=9|pages=269–74|pmid=3518019|first1=JM|last2=Pressman|first2=MR|last3=Diphillipo|first3=MA|last4=Forst-Paulus|first4=M|issue=1 Pt 2}}</ref> (Off-label)
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*[[Narcolepsy]]<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fry JM, Pressman MR, DiPhillipo MA, Forst-Paulus M|date=1986|title=Treatment of narcolepsy with codeine|journal=Sleep|volume=9|pages=269–74|pmid=3518019|first1=JM|last2=Pressman|first2=MR|last3=Diphillipo|first3=MA|last4=Forst-Paulus|first4=M|issue=1 Pt 2}}</ref> (Off-label)
  
 
Codeine is marketed as both a single-ingredient drug and in combination preparations with the analgesic [[acetaminophen]] ([[paracetamol]]), as [[co-codamol]], [[paracod]], [[panadeine]], or the Tylenol With Codeine series (e.g., [[Tylenol 3]] and 4 tablets and elixir); with the analgesic [[acetylsalicylic acid]] ([[aspirin]]), as [[co-codaprin]]; or with the [[NSAID]] (non-steroidal [[anti-inflammatory]] drug) [[ibuprofen]], as [[Nurofen Plus]]. These combinations provide greater pain relief than either agent alone (drug [[synergy]]).  Codeine is also commonly marketed in products containing codeine with other pain killers or muscle relaxers such as [[Fioricet with Codeine]], [[Soma Compound/Codeine]], as well as codeine mixed with [[phenacetin]] (Emprazil With Codeine No. 1, 2, 3, and 4), [[naproxen]], [[indomethacin]], [[diclofenac]] and others as well as more complex mixtures including such mixtures as aspirin + paracetamol + codeine ± caffeine ± antihistamines and other agents such as mentioned above.
 
Codeine is marketed as both a single-ingredient drug and in combination preparations with the analgesic [[acetaminophen]] ([[paracetamol]]), as [[co-codamol]], [[paracod]], [[panadeine]], or the Tylenol With Codeine series (e.g., [[Tylenol 3]] and 4 tablets and elixir); with the analgesic [[acetylsalicylic acid]] ([[aspirin]]), as [[co-codaprin]]; or with the [[NSAID]] (non-steroidal [[anti-inflammatory]] drug) [[ibuprofen]], as [[Nurofen Plus]]. These combinations provide greater pain relief than either agent alone (drug [[synergy]]).  Codeine is also commonly marketed in products containing codeine with other pain killers or muscle relaxers such as [[Fioricet with Codeine]], [[Soma Compound/Codeine]], as well as codeine mixed with [[phenacetin]] (Emprazil With Codeine No. 1, 2, 3, and 4), [[naproxen]], [[indomethacin]], [[diclofenac]] and others as well as more complex mixtures including such mixtures as aspirin + paracetamol + codeine ± caffeine ± antihistamines and other agents such as mentioned above.
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Injectable codeine is available for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection; intravenous injection can cause a serious reaction that can progress to [[anaphylaxis]].  Codeine suppositories are also marketed in some countries.
 
Injectable codeine is available for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection; intravenous injection can cause a serious reaction that can progress to [[anaphylaxis]].  Codeine suppositories are also marketed in some countries.
 
==Narcotic content numbers (US & Canada)==
 
 
The narcotic content number in the US names of codeine tablets and combination products like Tylenol With Codeine No. 3, Emprin With Codeine No. 4, and pure codeine tablets are as follows: No. 1 - 7½ or 8&nbsp;mg (1/8 grain), No. 2 - 15 or 16&nbsp;mg (1/4 grain),  No. 3 - 30 or 32&nbsp;mg (1/2 grain),  No. 4 - 60 or 64&nbsp;mg (1 grain).  The  Canadian 222 series is identical to the above list 222=1/8 grain, 292=1/4 grain, 293=1/2 grain, and 294=1 grain of codeine.  This system, which is also used at present in the trade names of some [[dihydrocodeine]] and [[ethylmorphine]] products both in and outside of North America, was inaugurated with the [[Pure Food and Drug Act]] of 1906 and related legislation and refined since.
 
 
Equivalent scales for labeling stronger opioids such as [[diacetylmorphine]] (heroin), [[morphine]], opium salts mixtures, and others were in common use in the past, and on occasion one can find past references to brand names for [[hydrocodone]] (invented 1920, introduced in US 1943), [[hydromorphone]] (invented 1924), [[oxycodone]] (invented 1916), [[paregoric]] and similar drugs  containing narcotic content numbers.  For example. from circa 1900 to 1925, the most common cough medicine was [[Terpin Hydrate]] With Heroin Elixir No. 2.
 
 
Contrary to the advertising matter of some pharmacies, 60&nbsp;mg is No. 4, not No. 6, and tablets with 45&nbsp;mg of codeine are not No. 4 and would in all likelihood be classified as No. 3½ under that system. Whether the scale goes to No. 5 and higher is moot at this point, as in the United States and Canada single-dose-unit concentrations of more than 64&nbsp;mg are not manufactured.  The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 does place dosage unit strengths of 90&nbsp;mg of codeine and higher in Schedule II, even if mixed with another active ingredient, and oral tablets, hypodermic tablets, liquid forms, and capsules of less common doses such as 5, 10, 12, 20, 25, 40, 45, 50, 75, 80, 90, 96, 100, 105, 120 and 128&nbsp;mg and others and in some cases the equivalent dihydrocodeine, [[dionine]], [[benzylmorphine]], and opium dosages were available in North America (and in most cases still are in other countries, the 45&nbsp;mg paracetamol/codeine and 50 and 100&nbsp;mg single-ingredient codeine tablets).
 
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
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==Adverse effects==
 
==Adverse effects==
 
Common effects other than analgesia associated with the use of codeine include [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]], [[itching]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[drowsiness]], [[dry mouth]], [[miosis]], [[orthostatic hypotension]], [[urinary retention]], [[Depression (mood)|depression]] and [[constipation]].<!--
 
Common effects other than analgesia associated with the use of codeine include [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]], [[itching]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[drowsiness]], [[dry mouth]], [[miosis]], [[orthostatic hypotension]], [[urinary retention]], [[Depression (mood)|depression]] and [[constipation]].<!--
   --><ref name="AMH2004">{{cite book | author = Australian Medicines Handbook | authorlink = Australian Medicines Handbook | editor = Rossi S | title = Australian Medicines Handbook | year = 2004 | publisher = Australian Medicines Handbook | location = Adelaide | isbn = 0975791923 | oclc = 224831213 224913182}}</ref> Another side effect commonly noticed is the lack of sexual drive and increased complications in erectile dysfunction.<ref name=Drugs.com>[http://www.drugs.com/codeine.html Codeine Information from Drugs.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Some people may also have an allergic reaction to codeine, such as the swelling of skin and rashes.<ref name=Drugs.com/>
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   --><ref name="AMH2004">{{Cite book| author = Australian Medicines Handbook | authorlink = Australian Medicines Handbook | editor = Rossi S | title = Australian Medicines Handbook | year = 2004 | publisher = Australian Medicines Handbook | location = Adelaide | isbn = 0975791923 | oclc = 224831213 224913182}}</ref> Another side effect commonly noticed is the lack of sexual drive and increased complications in erectile dysfunction.<ref name=Drugs.com>[http://www.drugs.com/codeine.html Codeine Information from Drugs.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Some people may also have an allergic reaction to codeine, such as the swelling of skin and rashes.<ref name=Drugs.com/>
  
 
Tolerance to many of the effects of codeine develops with prolonged use, including therapeutic effects. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance.
 
Tolerance to many of the effects of codeine develops with prolonged use, including therapeutic effects. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance.
  
A potentially serious adverse drug reaction, as with other opioids, is [[respiratory depression]]. This depression is dose-related and is the mechanism for the potentially fatal consequences of overdose. As codeine is metabolized to morphine, morphine can be passed through breast milk in potentially lethal amounts, fatally depressing the respiration of a breastfed baby.<ref>CTV News, [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080820/tylenol_3_breastfeeding_080820/20080820?hub=Canada Codeine use while breastfeeding may be dangerous], Wed. Aug. 20 2008 9:42 PM ET.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Koren G, Cairns J, Chitayat D, Gaedigk A, Leeder SJ |title=Pharmacogenetics of morphine poisoning in a breastfed neonate of a codeine-prescribed mother |journal=Lancet |volume=368 |issue=9536 |pages=704 |year=2006 |month=August |pmid=16920476 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69255-6}}</ref>
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A potentially serious adverse drug reaction, as with other opioids, is [[respiratory depression]]. This depression is dose-related and is the mechanism for the potentially fatal consequences of overdose. As codeine is metabolized to morphine, morphine can be passed through breast milk in potentially lethal amounts, fatally depressing the respiration of a breastfed baby.<ref>CTV News, [http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080820/tylenol_3_breastfeeding_080820/20080820?hub=Canada Codeine use while breastfeeding may be dangerous], Wed. Aug. 20 2008 9:42 PM ET.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Koren G, Cairns J, Chitayat D, Gaedigk A, Leeder SJ |title=Pharmacogenetics of morphine poisoning in a breastfed neonate of a codeine-prescribed mother |journal=Lancet |volume=368 |issue=9536 |pages=704 |year=2006 |month=August |pmid=16920476 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69255-6}}</ref>
  
 
===Withdrawal effects===
 
===Withdrawal effects===
As with other opiate-based pain killers, chronic use of codeine can cause [[physical dependence]]. When physical dependence has developed, withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops the medication. Withdrawal symptoms include: drug craving, runny nose, yawning, sweating, insomnia, weakness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, chills, irritability, and pain. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, long-term users should gradually reduce their codeine medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.aadac.com/87_436.asp | title = The ABCs - Codeine and Other Opioid Painkillers | accessdate = Sep 12 2008 | author = Alberta Health Services | authorlink = Alberta Health Services | coauthors = AADAC | date =  April 16, 2007 |  publisher = Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission }}</ref> A support group called [http://www.codeinefree.me.uk/ Codeine Free] exists to help people who have found themselves dependent on codeine.
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As with other opiate-based pain killers, chronic use of codeine can cause [[physical dependence]]. When physical dependence has developed, withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops the medication. Withdrawal symptoms include: drug craving, runny nose, yawning, sweating, insomnia, weakness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, chills, irritability, and pain. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, long-term users should gradually reduce their codeine medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.aadac.com/87_436.asp | title = The ABCs - Codeine and Other Opioid Painkillers | accessdate = Sep 12 2008 | author = Alberta Health Services | authorlink = Alberta Health Services | coauthors = AADAC | date =  April 16, 2007 |  publisher = Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission }}</ref> A support group called [http://www.codeinefree.me.uk/ Codeine Free] exists to help people who have found themselves dependent on codeine.
  
 
==Recreational use==
 
==Recreational use==
 
Codeine can be used as a [[recreational drug]].
 
Codeine can be used as a [[recreational drug]].
  
In some countries, cough syrups and tablets containing codeine are available without prescription; some potential recreational users are reported to buy codeine from multiple pharmacies so as not to arouse suspicion. A heroin addict may use codeine to ward off the effects of a [[withdrawal]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Boekhout van Solinge | first = Tim  | title = L'héroïne, la cocaïne et le crack en France. Trafic, usage et politique | publisher = CEDRO Centrum voor Drugsonderzoek, Universiteit van Amsterdam | location = Amsterdam | language = French | pages = 247&ndash;262 | chapter = 7. La politique de soins des années quatre-vingt-dix | chapterurl = http://www.cedro-uva.org/lib/boekhout.heroine.fr.7.html | year = 1996}}</ref>
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In some countries, cough syrups and tablets containing codeine are available without prescription; some potential recreational users are reported to buy codeine from multiple pharmacies so as not to arouse suspicion. A heroin addict may use codeine to ward off the effects of a [[withdrawal]].<ref>{{Cite book| last = Boekhout van Solinge | first = Tim  | title = L'héroïne, la cocaïne et le crack en France. Trafic, usage et politique | publisher = CEDRO Centrum voor Drugsonderzoek, Universiteit van Amsterdam | location = Amsterdam | language = French | pages = 247&ndash;262 | chapter = 7. La politique de soins des années quatre-vingt-dix | chapterurl = http://www.cedro-uva.org/lib/boekhout.heroine.fr.7.html | year = 1996}}</ref>
  
Codeine is also available in conjunction with the anti-nausea medication [[promethazine]] in the form of a syrup. Brand named as Phenergan with Codeine or in generic form as promethazine with codeine. Called 'syrup', this medication is quickly becoming one of the most highly abused codeine preparations.<ref>{{cite news |publisher = [[USA Today]] |first = Donna | last = Leinwand |title = DEA warns of soft drink-cough syrup mix | url = http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-10-18-lean_x.htm?csp=34 |date = 2006-10-18 |accessdate = 2006-10-23}}</ref>
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Codeine is also available in conjunction with the anti-nausea medication [[promethazine]] in the form of a syrup. Brand named as Phenergan with Codeine or in generic form as promethazine with codeine. Called 'syrup', this medication is quickly becoming one of the most highly abused codeine preparations.<ref>{{Cite news|publisher = [[USA Today]] |first = Donna | last = Leinwand |title = DEA warns of soft drink-cough syrup mix | url = http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-10-18-lean_x.htm?csp=34 |date = 2006-10-18 |accessdate = 2006-10-23}}</ref>
  
Codeine is also demethylated by reaction with [[pyridine]] to illicitly synthesize morphine. Pyridine is toxic and possibly [[carcinogenic]], so morphine illicitly produced in this manner (and potentially contaminated with pyridine) may be particularly harmful.<ref>{{cite book | last = Hogshire | first = Jim | authorlink = Jim Hogshire | title = Pills-A-Go-Go: A Fiendish Investigation into Pill Marketing, Art, History & Consumption | publisher = Feral House | year = 1999 | month = June | location = Los Angeles | pages = 216&ndash;223 | isbn = 0922915539}}</ref>  Codeine can also be turned into [[α-chlorocodide]], which is used in the clandestine synthesis of [[desomorphine]] (Permonid).  Codeine can also be turned directly into stronger derivatives of the [[dihydrocodeine]] and [[hydrocodone]] families and a few others with various chemicals and equipment.
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Codeine is also demethylated by reaction with [[pyridine]] to illicitly synthesize morphine. Pyridine is toxic and possibly [[carcinogenic]], so morphine illicitly produced in this manner (and potentially contaminated with pyridine) may be particularly harmful.<ref>{{Cite book| last = Hogshire | first = Jim | authorlink = Jim Hogshire | title = Pills-A-Go-Go: A Fiendish Investigation into Pill Marketing, Art, History & Consumption | publisher = Feral House | year = 1999 | month = June | location = Los Angeles | pages = 216&ndash;223 | isbn = 0922915539}}</ref>  Codeine can also be turned into [[α-chlorocodide]], which is used in the clandestine synthesis of [[desomorphine]] (Permonid).  Codeine can also be turned directly into stronger derivatives of the [[dihydrocodeine]] and [[hydrocodone]] families and a few others with various chemicals and equipment.
  
 
===Detection of use===
 
===Detection of use===
Codeine and/or its major metabolites may be quantitated in blood, plasma or urine to monitor therapy, confirm a diagnosis of poisoning or assist in a medicolegal death investigation. Drug abuse screening programs generally test urine, hair, sweat or oral fluid. Many commercial opiate screening tests cross-react appreciably with codeine and its metabolites, but chromatographic techniques can easily distinguish codeine from other opiates and opioids. It is important to note that codeine usage results in significant amounts of morphine as an excretion product. Furthermore, heroin contains codeine (or acetylcodeine) as an impurity and its use will result in excretion of small amounts of codeine. Poppy seed foods represent yet another source of low levels of codeine in one's biofluids. Blood or plasma codeine concentrations are typically in the 50-300&nbsp;µg/L range in persons taking the drug therapeutically, 700-7000&nbsp;µg/L in abusers and 1000–10,000&nbsp;µg/L in cases of acute fatal overdosage.<ref>Thevis M, Opfermann G, Schänzer W. Urinary concentrations of morphine and codeine after consumption of poppy seeds. J. Anal. Toxicol. 27: 53-56, 2003.</ref><ref>Cone EJ, Welch P, Paul BD, Mitchell JM. Forensic drug testing for opiates, III. Urinary excretion rates of morphine and codeine following codeine administration. J. Anal. Toxicol. 15: 161-166, 1991.</ref><ref>R. Baselt, ''Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man'', 8th edition, Biomedical Publications, Foster City, CA, 2008, pp. 355-360.</ref>
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Codeine and/or its major metabolites may be quantitated in blood, plasma or urine to monitor therapy, confirm a diagnosis of poisoning or assist in a medicolegal death investigation. Drug abuse screening programs generally test urine, hair, sweat or oral fluid. Many commercial opiate screening tests directed at morphine cross-react appreciably with codeine and its metabolites, but chromatographic techniques can easily distinguish codeine from other opiates and opioids. It is important to note that codeine usage results in significant amounts of morphine as an excretion product. Furthermore, heroin contains codeine (or acetylcodeine) as an impurity and its use will result in excretion of small amounts of codeine. Poppy seed foods represent yet another source of low levels of codeine in one's biofluids. Blood or plasma codeine concentrations are typically in the 50-300&nbsp;µg/L range in persons taking the drug therapeutically, 700-7000&nbsp;µg/L in abusers and 1000–10,000&nbsp;µg/L in cases of acute fatal overdosage.<ref>Thevis M, Opfermann G, Schänzer W. Urinary concentrations of morphine and codeine after consumption of poppy seeds. J. Anal. Toxicol. 27: 53-56, 2003.</ref><ref>Cone EJ, Welch P, Paul BD, Mitchell JM. Forensic drug testing for opiates, III. Urinary excretion rates of morphine and codeine following codeine administration. J. Anal. Toxicol. 15: 161-166, 1991.</ref><ref>R. Baselt, ''Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man'', 8th edition, Biomedical Publications, Foster City, CA, 2008, pp. 355-360.</ref>
  
 
==Controlled substance==
 
==Controlled substance==
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In [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], [[Romania]], [[Sweden]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[United States]], and many other countries, codeine is regulated under various [[Drug prohibition law#List by jurisdiction of principal drug prohibition laws|narcotic control laws]]. In some countries it is available without prescription in combination preparations from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 15&nbsp;mg/tablet in Australia, New Zealand, Poland (Thiocodin, Antidol) and Costa Rica, 30&nbsp;mg/tablet in the United Kingdom (Solpadol){{Verify source|date=September 2010}}, 10&nbsp;mg/tablet in Israel and 8&nbsp;mg/tablet in Canada and Estonia.{{Citation needed|date=June 2007}}<!--I did find this unsupported reference "it is available without prescription in combination preparations from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 8 mg/tablet in Canada and Australia, 15 mg/tablet in New Zealand and 12.8mg/tablet in Ireland and the UK (with paracetamol or ibuprofen), 9,6 mg/tablet in Denmark (with acetylosalicic acid and magnesium hydroxide making it unfit for cold water extraction).  For Ireland, the ceiling is 20 mg per doseage unit. " -->
  
In [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]], [[Romania]], [[Sweden]], the [[United Kingdom]], and many other countries, codeine is regulated. In some countries it is available without prescription in combination preparations from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 15&nbsp;mg/tablet in Australia, New Zealand, Poland (Thiocodin, Antidol) and Costa Rica, 30&nbsp;mg/tablet in the United Kingdom (Solpadol), 10&nbsp;mg/tablet in Israel and 8&nbsp;mg/tablet in Canada and Estonia.{{Citation needed|date=June 2007}}<!--I did find this unsupported reference "it is available without prescription in combination preparations from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 8 mg/tablet in Canada and Australia, 15 mg/tablet in New Zealand and 12.8mg/tablet in Ireland and the UK (with paracetamol or ibuprofen).  For Ireland, the ceiling is 20 mg per doseage unit. " -->
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===North America===
 +
====Narcotic content numbers (US & Canada)====
 +
The narcotic content number in the US names of codeine tablets and combination products like Tylenol With Codeine No. 3, Emprin With Codeine No. 4, and pure codeine tablets are as follows: No. 1 - 7½ or 8&nbsp;mg (1/8 grain), No. 2 - 15 or 16&nbsp;mg (1/4 grain), No. 3 - 30 or 32&nbsp;mg (1/2 grain),  No. 4 - 60 or 64&nbsp;mg (1 grain). The  Canadian "222" series is identical to the above list: "222" contains 8&nbsp;mg codeine, "282" 15&nbsp;mg, "292" 30&nbsp;mg, and "293" 60&nbsp;mg. This system, which is also used at present in the trade names of some [[dihydrocodeine]] and [[ethylmorphine]] products both in and outside of North America, was inaugurated with the [[Pure Food and Drug Act]] of 1906 and related legislation and refined since.
  
===Canada===
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Equivalent scales for labeling stronger opioids such as [[diacetylmorphine]] (heroin), [[morphine]], opium salts mixtures, and others were in common use in the past, and on occasion one can find past references to brand names for [[hydrocodone]] (invented 1920, introduced in US 1943), [[hydromorphone]] (invented 1924), [[oxycodone]] (invented 1916), [[paregoric]] and similar drugs  containing narcotic content numbers. For example. from circa 1900 to 1925, the most common cough medicine was [[terpin hydrate]] With Heroin Elixir No. 2.
In Canada, codeine can be sold over the counter only in combination with two or more ingredients, which has resulted in the prevalence of AC&C ([[aspirin]], codeine, and [[caffeine]]), and similar combinations using acetaminophen ([[paracetamol]]) rather than aspirin. Caffeine, being a stimulant, tends to offset the sedative effects of codeine. It also can [[synergy#Examples|increase]] the effectiveness and absorption rate of analgesics in some circumstances.<ref>{{cite web | title = Headache Triggers: Caffeine | publisher = WebMD | month = June | year = 2004 | url = http://www.webmd.com/content/article/46/1826_50681.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-23 }}</ref>
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In Canada, codeine preparations must be sold only at a pharmacy and be either behind the dispensing counter (or elsewhere, like in a back room) or on shelves in an area of the store that can be seen from said counter.
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Contrary to the advertising matter of some pharmacies, 60&nbsp;mg is No. 4, not No. 6, and tablets with 45&nbsp;mg of codeine are not No. 4 and would in all likelihood be classified as No. 3½ under that system. Whether the scale goes to No. 5 and higher is moot at this point, as in the United States and Canada single-dose-unit concentrations of more than 64&nbsp;mg are not manufactured.  The United States [[Controlled Substances Act]] of 1970 does place dosage unit strengths of 90&nbsp;mg of codeine and higher in Schedule II, even if mixed with another active ingredient. Oral tablets, hypodermic tablets, liquid forms, and capsules of less common doses such as 5, 10, 12, 20, 25, 40, 45, 50, 75, 80, 90, 96, 100, 105, 120 and 128&nbsp;mg and others and in some cases the equivalent dihydrocodeine, [[dionine]], [[benzylmorphine]], and opium dosages were previously available in North America (and in most cases still are in other countries, particularly the 45&nbsp;mg paracetamol/codeine and 50 and 100&nbsp;mg single-ingredient codeine tablets).
 +
 
 +
====Canada====
 +
In Canada, codeine preparations must be sold only at a pharmacy and be either behind the dispensing counter (or elsewhere, like in a back room) or on shelves in an area of the store that can be seen from the dispensing counter. Further, codeine can be sold over the counter only in combination with two or more ingredients, which has resulted in the prevalence of [[co-codaprin]] (or "AC&C"), which contains [[aspirin]], codeine, and [[caffeine]], and similar combinations using acetaminophen ([[paracetamol]]) rather than aspirin. Caffeine, being a stimulant, tends to offset the sedative effects of codeine. It also can [[synergy#Examples|increase]] the effectiveness and absorption rate of analgesics in some circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Headache Triggers: Caffeine | publisher = WebMD | month = June | year = 2004 | url = http://www.webmd.com/content/article/46/1826_50681.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-23 }}</ref> Co-codaprin containing 8&nbsp;mg codeine is often requested and sold as "222" at pharmacies, where it is generally available [[Over-the-counter drug|over the counter]]. Formulations containing more than 8&nbsp;mg of codeine are available by prescription only.
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 +
====United States====
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In the [[United States]], codeine is regulated by the [[Controlled Substances Act]].  It is a Schedule II controlled substance for pain-relief products containing codeine alone or more than 90&nbsp;mg per dosage unit.  Tablets of codeine in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen ([[paracetamol]]/Tylenol) made for pain relief are listed as Schedule III; and cough syrups are Schedule III or V, depending on formula.  The paracetamol/codeine pain-relief elixir is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
 +
 
 +
Preparations for cough or diarrhea containing small amounts of codeine in combination with two or more other active ingredients are Schedule V in the US, and in some states may be dispensed in amounts up to 4 fl. oz. per 48 hours (one or two states set the limit at 4 fl. oz. per 72 hours) without a prescription. Schedule V specifically consigns the product to state and local regulation beyond certain required record-keeping requirements (a dispensary log must be maintained for two years in a ledger from which pages cannot easily be removed and/or are pre-numbered, and the pharmacist must ask for a picture ID such as a driving licence) and also maintain controlled substances in the closed system at the root of the régime intended by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970; the codeine in these products was a Schedule II substance when the company making the Schedule V product acquired it for mixing up the end-product.
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 +
In locales where dilute codeine preparations are non-prescription, anywhere from very few to perhaps a moderate percentage of pharmacists will sell these preparations without a prescription.  However, many states have their own laws that do require a prescription for Schedule V drugs.  The December 2008 issue of ''The Bulletin of the National Codeine OTC Lobby'' (Vol. XVIII, No. 4) listed 12 states with some kind of OTC access to codeine, noting that small independent pharmacies are the most likely to have it.  This situation is roughly equivalent to that in February 1991, when the aforementioned organisation undertook its first comprehensive study of Schedule V and overall codeine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, and hydrocodone availability.
 +
 
 +
Other drugs that are present in Schedule V narcotic preparations like the codeine syrups are [[ethylmorphine]] and [[dihydrocodeine]].  [[Paregoric]] and [[hydrocodone]] were transferred to Schedule III from Schedule V even if the preparation contains two or more other active ingredients, and [[diphenoxylate]] is usually covered by state prescription laws even though this relative of [[pethidine]] is a Schedule V substance when adulterated with atropine to prevent abuse.
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 +
Codeine is also available outside the United States as an [[over-the-counter drug]] in liquid cough-relief formulations.{{Verify source|date=September 2010}} Around the world, codeine is, contingent on its concentration, a Schedule II and IV drug under the [[Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs]].<!--
 +
  --><ref name="INCB-Yellow">{{Cite web| author =International Narcotics Control Board | authorlink =International Narcotics Control Board | url =http://www.incb.org/pdf/e/list/46thedition.pdf | title =List of Narcotic Drugs under International Control | format =PDF | accessdate =2006-05-24}}</ref>
  
 
===Germany, Switzerland and Austria===
 
===Germany, Switzerland and Austria===
Codeine is listed under the ''Betäubungsmittelgesetz'' in [[Germany]] and the similarly-named narcotics and controlled substances law in [[Switzerland]]. In [[Austria]], the drug is listed under the ''Suchtmittelgesetz'' in categories corresponding to their classification under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.  Dispensing of products containing codeine and similar drugs ([[dihydrocodeine]], nicocodeine, benzylmorphine, ethylmorphine etc.), in general, require a prescription order from a doctor or the discretion of the pharmacist.  Municipal and provincial regulations may impact availability, in particular in Austria and Switzerland, which allows cities and provinces to regulate the selling of the least-regulated schedule of the SMG/BtMG; and, of course, individual chemists' shops can opt out of providing them or imposing volume, frequency, or single-purchase limitations and other things of the same store.  Plain codeine hydrochloride tablets (which in the USA would share CSA Schedule II with drugs like morphine, cocaine, hydromorphone, and bezitramide) as well as other non-injectable forms of codeine and its midrange derivatives can be dispensed in this way; the same goes for most chemical classes of benzodiazepines, the majority of non-barbiturate sedative/hypnotics, and at least a handful of barbiturates.
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Codeine is listed under the ''[[Betäubungsmittelgesetz]]'' in [[Germany]] and the similarly-named narcotics and controlled substances law in [[Switzerland]]. In [[Austria]], the drug is listed under the ''[[Suchtmittelgesetz]]'' in categories corresponding to their classification under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.  Dispensing of products containing codeine and similar drugs ([[dihydrocodeine]], nicocodeine, benzylmorphine, ethylmorphine etc.), in general, require a prescription order from a doctor or the discretion of the pharmacist.  Municipal and provincial regulations may impact availability, in particular in Austria and Switzerland, which allows cities and provinces to regulate the selling of the least-regulated schedule of the SMG/BtMG; and, of course, individual chemists' shops can opt out of providing them or imposing volume, frequency, or single-purchase limitations and other things of the same store.  Plain codeine hydrochloride tablets (which in the USA would share CSA Schedule II with drugs like morphine, cocaine, hydromorphone, and bezitramide) as well as other non-injectable forms of codeine and its midrange derivatives can be dispensed in this way; the same goes for most chemical classes of benzodiazepines, the majority of non-barbiturate sedative/hypnotics, and at least a handful of barbiturates.
  
 
Title 76 of the [[Schengen treaty]] has made it possible for countries within the signatory states to import and export drugs with various provisos, recording and ordering requirements, and various other rules.
 
Title 76 of the [[Schengen treaty]] has made it possible for countries within the signatory states to import and export drugs with various provisos, recording and ordering requirements, and various other rules.
  
 
===Greece===
 
===Greece===
Codeine is classed as an illegal drug in Greece, and individuals possessing it could conceivably be arrested, even if they were legitimately prescribed it in another country.<ref>{{cite web | title = Pharmacies in Greece | publisher = About.com | url = http://gogreece.about.com/od/planagreattriptogreece/a/greecepharmacy_2.htm | accessdate = 2009-10-10 }}</ref>
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Codeine is classed as an illegal drug in Greece, and individuals possessing it could conceivably be arrested, even if they were legitimately prescribed it in another country.<ref>{{Cite web| title = Pharmacies in Greece | publisher = About.com | url = http://gogreece.about.com/od/planagreattriptogreece/a/greecepharmacy_2.htm | accessdate = 2009-10-10 }}</ref>
  
 
===Hong Kong===
 
===Hong Kong===
 
 
In [[Hong Kong]], codeine is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 ''Dangerous Drugs Ordinance''. It can be used legally only by health professionals and for university research purposes. The substance can be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without prescription can be fined $10,000 ([[Hong Kong dollar|HKD]]). The maximum penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a $5,000,000 (HKD) fine and life imprisonment. Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a $1,000,000 (HKD) fine and/or 7 years of jail time.
 
In [[Hong Kong]], codeine is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 ''Dangerous Drugs Ordinance''. It can be used legally only by health professionals and for university research purposes. The substance can be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without prescription can be fined $10,000 ([[Hong Kong dollar|HKD]]). The maximum penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a $5,000,000 (HKD) fine and life imprisonment. Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a $1,000,000 (HKD) fine and/or 7 years of jail time.
  
 
However, codeine is available without prescription from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 0.1% (5&nbsp;mg/5ml) according to Hong Kong "Dangerous Drugs Ordinance".
 
However, codeine is available without prescription from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 0.1% (5&nbsp;mg/5ml) according to Hong Kong "Dangerous Drugs Ordinance".
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 +
===Italy===
 +
Codeine tablets or preparations require a prescription in Italy. A preparation of [[paracetamol]] and codeine is available in Italy as ''CoEfferalgan''.
  
 
===Japan===
 
===Japan===
Line 150: Line 162:
  
 
===Spain===
 
===Spain===
As of October 2009, codeine tablets and preparations of codeine require a prescription in Spain.
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Codeine tablets or preparations require a prescription in Spain.
  
 
===Turkey===
 
===Turkey===
Codeine is available with a standart prescription. Also, due to the health system in Turkey, it is still possible to find some pharmacies who sell codeine without any prescription. In big cities, pharmacies often don't sell the drug at all. But for OTC codeine containing combinations, the choice is up to the pharmacist.
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Codeine is available by a doctor's prescription. It is still possible to find some pharmacies who sell codeine without any prescription. In big cities, pharmacies often don't sell the drug at all. For OTC codeine containing combinations, the choice is up to the pharmacist.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}
  
 
===United Kingdom===
 
===United Kingdom===
 
In the [[United Kingdom]], higher-strength codeine formulations - such as 30/500 co-codamol, where 30&nbsp;mg of codeine phosphate is combined with 500&nbsp;mg [[paracetamol]] - are prescription-only medicines (POM). Lower-strength combinations,  such as 8/500 (various brands) or 12.8/500 (Panadol Ultra, Solpadeine MAX and others) are available as pharmacy supervised ("behind the counter") medicines. Codeine is also available combined with [[Ibuprofen]]; a common formulation is 12.8&nbsp;mg Codeine alongside 200&nbsp;mg Ibuprofen. Codeine Linctus of 15&nbsp;mg per 5ml is also available behind the counter at some pharmacies, although a purchaser would have to request it specifically from the pharmacist. [[Intramuscular injection]] of codeine is a controlled drug under the [[Misuse of Drugs Act 1971]].
 
In the [[United Kingdom]], higher-strength codeine formulations - such as 30/500 co-codamol, where 30&nbsp;mg of codeine phosphate is combined with 500&nbsp;mg [[paracetamol]] - are prescription-only medicines (POM). Lower-strength combinations,  such as 8/500 (various brands) or 12.8/500 (Panadol Ultra, Solpadeine MAX and others) are available as pharmacy supervised ("behind the counter") medicines. Codeine is also available combined with [[Ibuprofen]]; a common formulation is 12.8&nbsp;mg Codeine alongside 200&nbsp;mg Ibuprofen. Codeine Linctus of 15&nbsp;mg per 5ml is also available behind the counter at some pharmacies, although a purchaser would have to request it specifically from the pharmacist. [[Intramuscular injection]] of codeine is a controlled drug under the [[Misuse of Drugs Act 1971]].
 
===United States===
 
In the [[United States]], codeine is regulated by the [[Controlled Substances Act]].  It is a Schedule II controlled substance for pain-relief products containing codeine alone or more than 90&nbsp;mg per dosage unit.  Tablets of codeine in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen ([[paracetamol]]/Tylenol) made for pain relief are listed as Schedule III; and cough syrups are Schedule III or V, depending on formula.  The paracetamol/codeine pain-relief elixir is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
 
 
Preparations for cough or diarrhea containing small amounts of codeine in combination with two or more other active ingredients are Schedule V in the US, and in some states may be dispensed in amounts up to 4 fl. oz. per 48 hours (one or two states set the limit at 4 fl. oz. per 72 hours) without a prescription. Schedule V specifically consigns the product to state and local regulation beyond certain required record-keeping requirements (a dispensary log must be maintained for two years in a ledger from which pages cannot easily be removed and/or are pre-numbered, and the pharmacist must ask for a picture ID such as a driving licence) and also maintain controlled substances in the closed system at the root of the régime intended by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970; the codeine in these products was a Schedule II substance when the company making the Schedule V product acquired it for mixing up the end-product.
 
 
In locales where dilute codeine preparations are non-prescription, anywhere from very few to perhaps a moderate percentage of pharmacists will sell these preparations without a prescription.  However, many states have their own laws that do require a prescription for Schedule V drugs.  The December 2008 issue of ''The Bulletin of the National Codeine OTC Lobby'' (Vol. XVIII, No. 4) listed 12 states with some kind of OTC access to codeine, noting that small independent pharmacies are the most likely to have it.  This situation is roughly equivalent to that in February 1991, when the aforementioned organisation undertook its first comprehensive study of Schedule V and overall codeine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, and hydrocodone availability.
 
 
Other drugs that are present in Schedule V narcotic preparations like the codeine syrups are [[ethylmorphine]] and [[dihydrocodeine]].  [[Paregoric]] and [[hydrocodone]] were transferred to Schedule III from Schedule V even if the preparation contains two or more other active ingredients, and [[diphenoxylate]] is usually covered by state prescription laws even though this relative of [[pethidine]] is a Schedule V substance when adulterated with atropine to prevent abuse.
 
 
Codeine is also available outside the United States as an [[over-the-counter drug]] in liquid cough-relief formulations. Around the world, codeine is, contingent on its concentration, a Schedule II and IV drug under the [[Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs]].<!--
 
  --><ref name="INCB-Yellow">{{cite web | author =International Narcotics Control Board | authorlink =International Narcotics Control Board | url =http://www.incb.org/pdf/e/list/46thedition.pdf | title =List of Narcotic Drugs under International Control | format =PDF | accessdate =2006-05-24}}</ref>
 
  
 
===Other countries===
 
===Other countries===
 +
Most national controlled-substance laws are implementations of requirements in the Single Convention and related treaties.  The aforementioned dilute preparations are scheduled in such a way that in many countries preparations, liquid or solid, of codeine, dihydrocodeine, nicocodeine, nicodicodeine, benzylmorphine, propoxyphene, panadeine, dextropropoxyphene, and acetyldihydrocodeine may be non-prescription and/or over the counter; some local, provincial and national regulations and registry programmes in various European and Pacific Rim countries may provide for even stronger analgesic preparations of the aforementioned drugs to be dispensed by the senior chemist without prescription or after an initial prescription with certain volume, documentation, and record-keeping requirements.
  
Most national controlled-substance laws are implementations of requirements in the Single Convention and related treaties.  The aforementioned dilute preparations are scheduled in such a way that in many countries preparations, liquid or solid, of codeine, dihydrocdeine, nicocodeine, nicodicodeine, benzylmorphine, propoxyphene, panadeine, dextropropoxyphene, and acetyldihydrocodeine may be non-prescription and/or over the counter; some local, provincial and national regulations and registry programmes in various European and Pacific Rim countries may provide for even stronger analgesic preparations of the aforementioned drugs to be dispensed by the senior chemist without prescription or after an initial prescription with certain volume, documentation, and record-keeping requirements.
+
==See also==
 
+
== See also ==
+
 
* [[Pierre Robiquet]], discoverer of codeine
 
* [[Pierre Robiquet]], discoverer of codeine
 
* [[Thomas de Quincey]]
 
* [[Thomas de Quincey]]
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[[Category:French inventions]]
 
[[Category:French inventions]]
 
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[[ar:كودين]]
 
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[[pl:Kodeina]]
 
[[pl:Kodeina]]
 
[[pt:Codeína]]
 
[[pt:Codeína]]

Latest revision as of 15:45, 27 September 2010

Codeine
File:Codein - Codeine.svg
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(5α,6α)-7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-ol
Clinical data
Dependence
liability
Low - Moderate
Routes of
administration
oral, intra-rectally, SC, IM
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability ~90% Oral
Metabolism Hepatic, via CYP2D6 (Cytochrome P450 2D6)[1]
Biological half-life 2.5–3 h
Identifiers
CAS Number 76-57-3
ATC code R05DA04 (WHO) N02AA59
PubChem CID 5284371
IUPHAR/BPS 1673
DrugBank APRD00120
ChemSpider 4447447
Chemical data
Formula C18H21NO3
Molar mass 299.364 g/mol[[Script error: No such module "String".]]
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  (verify)
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Codeine (INN) or 3-methylmorphine (a natural isomer of methylated morphine, the other being the semi-synthetic 6-methylmorphine) is an opiate used for its analgesic, antitussive, and antidiarrheal properties. Codeine is the second-most predominant alkaloid in opium, at up to 3 per cent; it is much more prevalent in the Iranian poppy (Papaver bractreatum), and codeine is extracted from this species in some places although the below-mentioned morphine methylation process is still much more common. It is considered the prototype of the weak to midrange opioids.

History

Codeine, or O-methylmorphine, is an alkaloid found in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum var. album, a plant in the papaveraceae family. Opium poppy has been cultivated and utilized throughout human history for a variety of medicinal (analgesic, anti-tussive and anti-diarrheal) and hypnotic properties linked to the diversity of its active components, which include morphine, codeine and papaverine.

Codeine is found in concentrations of 0.3 to 3.0 per cent in opium prepared by the latex method from unripe pods of Papaver somniferum. The concentration of codeine in the Iranian Poppy, Papaver bracteatum, can be considerably higher. The name codeine is derived from the Greek word kodeia for "poppy head." The relative proportion of codeine to morphine, the most common opium alkaloid at 4 to 23 per cent, tends to be somewhat higher in the poppy straw method of preparing opium alkaloids.

Until the beginning of the 19th century, raw opium was used in diverse preparations known as laudanum (see Thomas de Quincey's "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater", 1821) and paregoric elixirs, a number of which were popular in England since the beginning of the 18th century; the original preparation seems to have been elaborated in Leiden, Holland around 1715 by a chemist named Lemort; in 1721 the London Pharmocopeia mentions an Elixir Asthmaticum, replaced by the term Elixir Paregoricum ("pain soother") in 1746.

The progressive isolation of opium's several active components opened the path to improved selectivity and safety of the opiates-based pharmacopeia.

Morphine had been isolated in the early 1800s. Codeine was first isolated in 1832 in France by Pierre Robiquet, a French chemist and pharmacist already famous for the discovery of alizarin, the most widespread red dye, while working on refined morphine extraction processes. This paved the way for the elaboration of a new generation of safer, codeine-based specific antitussive and antidiarrheal potions.

Codeine is currently the most widely used opiate in the world, and probably the most commonly used drug overall according to numerous reports by organizations including the World Health Organization and its League of Nations predecessor agency. It is one of the most effective orally-administered opioid analgesics and has a wide safety margin. Its strength ranges from 8 to 12 percent of morphine in most people; differences in metabolism can change this figure as can other medications, depending on its route of administration.

While codeine can be directly extracted from opium, its original source, most codeine is synthesized from morphine through the process of O-methylation.

By 1972, the effects of the Nixon War On Drugs had caused across-the-board shortages of illicit and licit opiates because of a scarcity of natural opium, poppy straw, and other sources of opium alkaloids, and the geopolitical situation was growing difficult for the United States. After a large percentage of the opium and morphine in the US National Stockpile of Strategic & Critical Materials was tapped in order to ease severe shortages of medicinal opiates — the codeine-based antitussives in particular — in late 1973, researchers were tasked with finding a way to synthesize codeine and its derivatives. They quickly succeeded using petroleum or coal tar and a process developed at the United States' National Institutes of Health.

Numerous codeine salts have been prepared since the drug was discovered. The most commonly used are the hydrochloride (freebase conversion ratio 0.805), phosphate (0.736), sulphate (0.859), and citrate (0.842). Others include a salicylate NSAID, codeine salicylate (0.686), and at least four codeine-based barbiturates, the cyclohexenylethylbarbiturate (0.559), cyclopentenylallylbarbiturate (0.561), diallylbarbiturate (0.561), and diethylbarbiturate (0.619).

Pharmacology

Codeine is considered a prodrug, since it is metabolised in vivo to the primary active compounds morphine and codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G).[2][3] Roughly 5-10% of codeine will be converted to morphine, with the remainder either free, conjugated to form codeine-6-glucuronide (~70%), or converted to norcodeine (~10%) and hydromorphone (~1%). It is less potent than morphine and has a correspondingly lower dependence-liability than morphine.[4] Like all opioids, continued use of codeine induces physical dependence and can be psychologically addictive. However, the withdrawal symptoms are relatively mild, and, as a consequence, codeine is considerably less addictive than the other opiates.[clarification needed]

A dose of approximately 200 mg (oral) of codeine must be administered to give analgesia approximately equivalent to 30 mg (oral) of morphine (Rossi, 2004). However, codeine is, in general, not used in single doses of greater than 60 mg (and no more than 240 mg in 24 hours).[5] When analgesia beyond this is required, stronger opioids such as hydrocodone or oxycodone are favored.

Codeine is metabolized to C6G by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase UGT2B7, and, since only about 5% of codeine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 CYP2D6, the current evidence is that C6G is the primary active compound.[6] Claims about the supposed "ceiling effect" of codeine doses seemed to rest on the assumption that high doses of codeine saturated CYP2D6, which prevented further conversion of codeine to morphine, which is simply incorrect.[citation needed] There is also no evidence that CYP2D6 inhibition is useful in treating codeine dependence,[7] though the metabolism of codeine to morphine (and hence further metabolism to glucuronide morphine conjugates) does have an effect on the abuse potential of codeine.[8]

Pharmacokinetics

The conversion of codeine to morphine occurs in the liver and is catalysed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2D6. CYP3A4 produces norcodeine and UGT2B7 conjugates codeine, norcodeine, and morphine to the corresponding 3- and 6- glucuronides. Approximately 6–10% of the Caucasian population, 2% of Asians, and 1% of Arabs[9] are "poor metabolizers"; they have little CYP2D6, and codeine is less effective for analgesia in these patients (Rossi, 2004). Srinivasan, Wielbo and Tebbett speculate that codeine-6-glucuronide is responsible for a large percentage of the analgesia of codeine, and, thus, these patients should experience some analgesia.[3] Many of the adverse effects will still be experienced in poor metabolizers. Conversely, 0.5-2% of the population are "extensive metabolizers"; multiple copies of the gene for 2D6 produce high levels of CYP2D6 and will metabolize drugs through that pathway more quickly than others.

Some medications are CYP2D6 inhibitors and reduce or even completely block the conversion of codeine to morphine. The most well-known of these are two of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) as well as the antihistamine diphenhydramine and the antidepressant, buproprion (Wellbutrin, also known as Zyban). Other drugs, such as rifampicin and dexamethasone, induce CYP450 isozymes and thus increase the conversion rate.

While a CYP2D6 extensive metaboliser (EM) needs higher doses of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 to maintain sufficient plasma levels for therapeutic effect and a poor metaboliser (PM) may suffer from drug toxicity due to slow drug clearance and excessive plasma concentration, prodrugs like codeine have the opposite effect. Thus an EM may have adverse effects from a rapid buildup of codeine metabolites while a PM may get little or no pain relief. CYP2D6 is dysfunctional in 7% of white and black Americans, resulting in reduced metabolism of codeine. Other individuals may have two or more copies of the CYP2D6 gene, resulting in rapid metabolism of the target drug. CYP2D6 metabolizes and activates codeine into morphine, which then undergoes glucuronidation. Life-threatening intoxication, including respiratory depression requiring intubation, can develop over a matter of days in patients who have multiple functional alleles of CYP2D6, resulting in ultra-rapid metabolism of opioids such as codeine into morphine.[10][11][12]

The active metabolites of codeine, notably morphine, exert their effects by binding to and activating the μ-opioid receptor.

Indications

Approved indications for codeine include:

Codeine is marketed as both a single-ingredient drug and in combination preparations with the analgesic acetaminophen (paracetamol), as co-codamol, paracod, panadeine, or the Tylenol With Codeine series (e.g., Tylenol 3 and 4 tablets and elixir); with the analgesic acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), as co-codaprin; or with the NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) ibuprofen, as Nurofen Plus. These combinations provide greater pain relief than either agent alone (drug synergy). Codeine is also commonly marketed in products containing codeine with other pain killers or muscle relaxers such as Fioricet with Codeine, Soma Compound/Codeine, as well as codeine mixed with phenacetin (Emprazil With Codeine No. 1, 2, 3, and 4), naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac and others as well as more complex mixtures including such mixtures as aspirin + paracetamol + codeine ± caffeine ± antihistamines and other agents such as mentioned above.

Codeine-only products can be obtained with a prescription as a time release tablet (e.g., Codeine Contin 100 mg and Perduretas 50 mg). Codeine is also marketed in cough syrups with zero to a half-dozen other active ingredients, and a linctus (e.g., Paveral) for all of the uses for which codeine is indicated.

Injectable codeine is available for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection; intravenous injection can cause a serious reaction that can progress to anaphylaxis. Codeine suppositories are also marketed in some countries.

Availability

Codeine phosphate and sulfate are marketed in the United States and Canada. Codeine hydrochloride is more commonly marketed in continental Europe and other regions, and codeine hydroiodide and codeine citrate round out the top five most-used codeine salts worldwide. Codeine is usually present in raw opium as free alkaloid in addition to codeine meconate, codeine pectinate, and possibly other naturally-occurring codeine salts. Codeine bitartrate, tartrate, nitrate, picrate, acetate, hydrobromide and others are occasionally encountered on the pharmaceutical market and in research.

In certain jurisdictions, codeine is available over-the-counter in combination with guaifenesin or promethazine to be sold at the pharmacist's discretion, though many pharmacists decline to do so[citation needed].

Relation to other opiates

Codeine is the starting material and prototype of a large class of mainly mild to moderately strong opioids such as hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, and its derivatives such as nicocodeine. Other series of codeine derivatives include isocodeine and its derivatives, which were developed in Germany starting around 1920. As an analgesic, codeine compares moderately to other opiates. Related to codeine in other ways are Codeine-N-Oxide (Genocodeine), related to the nitrogen morphine derivatives as is codeine methobromide, and heterocodeine, which is a drug six times stronger than morphine and 72 times stronger than codeine due to a small re-arrangement of the molecule, viz. moving the methyl group from the 3 to the 6 position on the morphine carbon skeleton. Drugs bearing resemblance to codeine in effects due to close structural relationship are variations on the methyl groups at the 3 position including ethylmorphine a.k.a. codethyline (Dionine) and benzylmorphine (Peronine). While having no narcotic effects of its own, the important opioid precursor thebaine differs from codeine only slightly in structure. Pseudocodeine and some other similar alkaloids not currently used in medicine are found in trace amounts in opium as well.

Adverse effects

Common effects other than analgesia associated with the use of codeine include euphoria, itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry mouth, miosis, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, depression and constipation.[15] Another side effect commonly noticed is the lack of sexual drive and increased complications in erectile dysfunction.[16] Some people may also have an allergic reaction to codeine, such as the swelling of skin and rashes.[16]

Tolerance to many of the effects of codeine develops with prolonged use, including therapeutic effects. The rate at which this occurs develops at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance.

A potentially serious adverse drug reaction, as with other opioids, is respiratory depression. This depression is dose-related and is the mechanism for the potentially fatal consequences of overdose. As codeine is metabolized to morphine, morphine can be passed through breast milk in potentially lethal amounts, fatally depressing the respiration of a breastfed baby.[17][18]

Withdrawal effects

As with other opiate-based pain killers, chronic use of codeine can cause physical dependence. When physical dependence has developed, withdrawal symptoms may occur if a person suddenly stops the medication. Withdrawal symptoms include: drug craving, runny nose, yawning, sweating, insomnia, weakness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, chills, irritability, and pain. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, long-term users should gradually reduce their codeine medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.[19] A support group called Codeine Free exists to help people who have found themselves dependent on codeine.

Recreational use

Codeine can be used as a recreational drug.

In some countries, cough syrups and tablets containing codeine are available without prescription; some potential recreational users are reported to buy codeine from multiple pharmacies so as not to arouse suspicion. A heroin addict may use codeine to ward off the effects of a withdrawal.[20]

Codeine is also available in conjunction with the anti-nausea medication promethazine in the form of a syrup. Brand named as Phenergan with Codeine or in generic form as promethazine with codeine. Called 'syrup', this medication is quickly becoming one of the most highly abused codeine preparations.[21]

Codeine is also demethylated by reaction with pyridine to illicitly synthesize morphine. Pyridine is toxic and possibly carcinogenic, so morphine illicitly produced in this manner (and potentially contaminated with pyridine) may be particularly harmful.[22] Codeine can also be turned into α-chlorocodide, which is used in the clandestine synthesis of desomorphine (Permonid). Codeine can also be turned directly into stronger derivatives of the dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone families and a few others with various chemicals and equipment.

Detection of use

Codeine and/or its major metabolites may be quantitated in blood, plasma or urine to monitor therapy, confirm a diagnosis of poisoning or assist in a medicolegal death investigation. Drug abuse screening programs generally test urine, hair, sweat or oral fluid. Many commercial opiate screening tests directed at morphine cross-react appreciably with codeine and its metabolites, but chromatographic techniques can easily distinguish codeine from other opiates and opioids. It is important to note that codeine usage results in significant amounts of morphine as an excretion product. Furthermore, heroin contains codeine (or acetylcodeine) as an impurity and its use will result in excretion of small amounts of codeine. Poppy seed foods represent yet another source of low levels of codeine in one's biofluids. Blood or plasma codeine concentrations are typically in the 50-300 µg/L range in persons taking the drug therapeutically, 700-7000 µg/L in abusers and 1000–10,000 µg/L in cases of acute fatal overdosage.[23][24][25]

Controlled substance

In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries, codeine is regulated under various narcotic control laws. In some countries it is available without prescription in combination preparations from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 15 mg/tablet in Australia, New Zealand, Poland (Thiocodin, Antidol) and Costa Rica, 30 mg/tablet in the United Kingdom (Solpadol)[verification needed], 10 mg/tablet in Israel and 8 mg/tablet in Canada and Estonia.[citation needed]

North America

Narcotic content numbers (US & Canada)

The narcotic content number in the US names of codeine tablets and combination products like Tylenol With Codeine No. 3, Emprin With Codeine No. 4, and pure codeine tablets are as follows: No. 1 - 7½ or 8 mg (1/8 grain), No. 2 - 15 or 16 mg (1/4 grain), No. 3 - 30 or 32 mg (1/2 grain), No. 4 - 60 or 64 mg (1 grain). The Canadian "222" series is identical to the above list: "222" contains 8 mg codeine, "282" 15 mg, "292" 30 mg, and "293" 60 mg. This system, which is also used at present in the trade names of some dihydrocodeine and ethylmorphine products both in and outside of North America, was inaugurated with the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and related legislation and refined since.

Equivalent scales for labeling stronger opioids such as diacetylmorphine (heroin), morphine, opium salts mixtures, and others were in common use in the past, and on occasion one can find past references to brand names for hydrocodone (invented 1920, introduced in US 1943), hydromorphone (invented 1924), oxycodone (invented 1916), paregoric and similar drugs containing narcotic content numbers. For example. from circa 1900 to 1925, the most common cough medicine was terpin hydrate With Heroin Elixir No. 2.

Contrary to the advertising matter of some pharmacies, 60 mg is No. 4, not No. 6, and tablets with 45 mg of codeine are not No. 4 and would in all likelihood be classified as No. 3½ under that system. Whether the scale goes to No. 5 and higher is moot at this point, as in the United States and Canada single-dose-unit concentrations of more than 64 mg are not manufactured. The United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970 does place dosage unit strengths of 90 mg of codeine and higher in Schedule II, even if mixed with another active ingredient. Oral tablets, hypodermic tablets, liquid forms, and capsules of less common doses such as 5, 10, 12, 20, 25, 40, 45, 50, 75, 80, 90, 96, 100, 105, 120 and 128 mg and others and in some cases the equivalent dihydrocodeine, dionine, benzylmorphine, and opium dosages were previously available in North America (and in most cases still are in other countries, particularly the 45 mg paracetamol/codeine and 50 and 100 mg single-ingredient codeine tablets).

Canada

In Canada, codeine preparations must be sold only at a pharmacy and be either behind the dispensing counter (or elsewhere, like in a back room) or on shelves in an area of the store that can be seen from the dispensing counter. Further, codeine can be sold over the counter only in combination with two or more ingredients, which has resulted in the prevalence of co-codaprin (or "AC&C"), which contains aspirin, codeine, and caffeine, and similar combinations using acetaminophen (paracetamol) rather than aspirin. Caffeine, being a stimulant, tends to offset the sedative effects of codeine. It also can increase the effectiveness and absorption rate of analgesics in some circumstances.[26] Co-codaprin containing 8 mg codeine is often requested and sold as "222" at pharmacies, where it is generally available over the counter. Formulations containing more than 8 mg of codeine are available by prescription only.

United States

In the United States, codeine is regulated by the Controlled Substances Act. It is a Schedule II controlled substance for pain-relief products containing codeine alone or more than 90 mg per dosage unit. Tablets of codeine in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen (paracetamol/Tylenol) made for pain relief are listed as Schedule III; and cough syrups are Schedule III or V, depending on formula. The paracetamol/codeine pain-relief elixir is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Preparations for cough or diarrhea containing small amounts of codeine in combination with two or more other active ingredients are Schedule V in the US, and in some states may be dispensed in amounts up to 4 fl. oz. per 48 hours (one or two states set the limit at 4 fl. oz. per 72 hours) without a prescription. Schedule V specifically consigns the product to state and local regulation beyond certain required record-keeping requirements (a dispensary log must be maintained for two years in a ledger from which pages cannot easily be removed and/or are pre-numbered, and the pharmacist must ask for a picture ID such as a driving licence) and also maintain controlled substances in the closed system at the root of the régime intended by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970; the codeine in these products was a Schedule II substance when the company making the Schedule V product acquired it for mixing up the end-product.

In locales where dilute codeine preparations are non-prescription, anywhere from very few to perhaps a moderate percentage of pharmacists will sell these preparations without a prescription. However, many states have their own laws that do require a prescription for Schedule V drugs. The December 2008 issue of The Bulletin of the National Codeine OTC Lobby (Vol. XVIII, No. 4) listed 12 states with some kind of OTC access to codeine, noting that small independent pharmacies are the most likely to have it. This situation is roughly equivalent to that in February 1991, when the aforementioned organisation undertook its first comprehensive study of Schedule V and overall codeine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, and hydrocodone availability.

Other drugs that are present in Schedule V narcotic preparations like the codeine syrups are ethylmorphine and dihydrocodeine. Paregoric and hydrocodone were transferred to Schedule III from Schedule V even if the preparation contains two or more other active ingredients, and diphenoxylate is usually covered by state prescription laws even though this relative of pethidine is a Schedule V substance when adulterated with atropine to prevent abuse.

Codeine is also available outside the United States as an over-the-counter drug in liquid cough-relief formulations.[verification needed] Around the world, codeine is, contingent on its concentration, a Schedule II and IV drug under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.[27]

Germany, Switzerland and Austria

Codeine is listed under the Betäubungsmittelgesetz in Germany and the similarly-named narcotics and controlled substances law in Switzerland. In Austria, the drug is listed under the Suchtmittelgesetz in categories corresponding to their classification under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Dispensing of products containing codeine and similar drugs (dihydrocodeine, nicocodeine, benzylmorphine, ethylmorphine etc.), in general, require a prescription order from a doctor or the discretion of the pharmacist. Municipal and provincial regulations may impact availability, in particular in Austria and Switzerland, which allows cities and provinces to regulate the selling of the least-regulated schedule of the SMG/BtMG; and, of course, individual chemists' shops can opt out of providing them or imposing volume, frequency, or single-purchase limitations and other things of the same store. Plain codeine hydrochloride tablets (which in the USA would share CSA Schedule II with drugs like morphine, cocaine, hydromorphone, and bezitramide) as well as other non-injectable forms of codeine and its midrange derivatives can be dispensed in this way; the same goes for most chemical classes of benzodiazepines, the majority of non-barbiturate sedative/hypnotics, and at least a handful of barbiturates.

Title 76 of the Schengen treaty has made it possible for countries within the signatory states to import and export drugs with various provisos, recording and ordering requirements, and various other rules.

Greece

Codeine is classed as an illegal drug in Greece, and individuals possessing it could conceivably be arrested, even if they were legitimately prescribed it in another country.[28]

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, codeine is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. It can be used legally only by health professionals and for university research purposes. The substance can be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without prescription can be fined $10,000 (HKD). The maximum penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a $5,000,000 (HKD) fine and life imprisonment. Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a $1,000,000 (HKD) fine and/or 7 years of jail time.

However, codeine is available without prescription from licensed pharmacists in doses up to 0.1% (5 mg/5ml) according to Hong Kong "Dangerous Drugs Ordinance".

Italy

Codeine tablets or preparations require a prescription in Italy. A preparation of paracetamol and codeine is available in Italy as CoEfferalgan.

Japan

Codeine and similar mid-level centrally acting agents in combination with non-opioid analgesics, antihistamines, vitamins, inert GI agents like kaolin & pectin, mild laxatives, antacids, and herbal preparations, can be purchased over the counter, with 10 mg being the ceiling for OTC dispensing. This is also true of ethylmorphine and dihydrocodeine, and also diphenoxylate, some weak relatives of the thiambutene opioid family.

Spain

Codeine tablets or preparations require a prescription in Spain.

Turkey

Codeine is available by a doctor's prescription. It is still possible to find some pharmacies who sell codeine without any prescription. In big cities, pharmacies often don't sell the drug at all. For OTC codeine containing combinations, the choice is up to the pharmacist.[citation needed]

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, higher-strength codeine formulations - such as 30/500 co-codamol, where 30 mg of codeine phosphate is combined with 500 mg paracetamol - are prescription-only medicines (POM). Lower-strength combinations, such as 8/500 (various brands) or 12.8/500 (Panadol Ultra, Solpadeine MAX and others) are available as pharmacy supervised ("behind the counter") medicines. Codeine is also available combined with Ibuprofen; a common formulation is 12.8 mg Codeine alongside 200 mg Ibuprofen. Codeine Linctus of 15 mg per 5ml is also available behind the counter at some pharmacies, although a purchaser would have to request it specifically from the pharmacist. Intramuscular injection of codeine is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Other countries

Most national controlled-substance laws are implementations of requirements in the Single Convention and related treaties. The aforementioned dilute preparations are scheduled in such a way that in many countries preparations, liquid or solid, of codeine, dihydrocodeine, nicocodeine, nicodicodeine, benzylmorphine, propoxyphene, panadeine, dextropropoxyphene, and acetyldihydrocodeine may be non-prescription and/or over the counter; some local, provincial and national regulations and registry programmes in various European and Pacific Rim countries may provide for even stronger analgesic preparations of the aforementioned drugs to be dispensed by the senior chemist without prescription or after an initial prescription with certain volume, documentation, and record-keeping requirements.

See also

References

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In love with summer Schimanskiar:كودين ast:Codeína zh-min-nan:Codeine bg:Кодеин ca:Codeïna cs:Kodein da:Kodein de:Codein es:Codeína eo:Kodeino eu:Kodeina fa:کدئین fr:Codéine gl:Codeína ko:코데인 id:Kodeina it:Codeina he:קודאין ka:კოდეინი lt:Kodeinas hu:Kodein mk:Кодеин ms:Kodeina nl:Codeïne ja:コデイン no:Kodein ps:کودیین pl:Kodeina pt:Codeína ro:Codeină ru:Кодеин simple:Codeine sk:Kodeín sl:Kodein fi:Kodeiini sv:Kodein te:కొడీన్ th:โคดีอีน tr:Kodein uk:Кодеїн zh-yue:可待因

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