What is Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medication used to treat mild to moderate pain and sometimes as a cough suppressant. It is weaker than stronger opioids like morphine or oxycodone and is often combined with other medications (e.g., acetaminophen in Tylenol with Codeine or with promethazine for cough).

How it Works

Codeine is converted in the body (by the liver enzyme CYP2D6) into morphine, which binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces pain signals and suppresses the cough reflex.

 Common Medical Uses

• Pain relief (mild to moderate)
• Cough suppression (short-term use in some cases)
• Sometimes included in combination painkillers or cough syrups

 Benefits

• Provides effective relief for less severe pain
• Can reduce persistent coughing
• Often available in combination with non-opioid painkillers for added effect

 Possible Side Effects

• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting
• Itching, sweating
• Lightheartedness
• Risk of slowed breathing at higher doses

Important Precautions

• Dependence & Misuse: Like other opioids, codeine has a risk of addiction
• Variable effect: Some people metabolize it very quickly into morphine (ultra-rapid metabolizes), which can lead to dangerous side effects; others metabolize it poorly, making it less effective
• Not recommended for children under 12 (and often restricted under 18) due to risk of respiratory depression
• Should not be mixed with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids
• Always use exactly as prescribed

👉 Summary:
Codeine is a mild opioid used for pain and cough relief. While effective, it carries risks of dependence and side effects, and its effectiveness varies depending on how an individual’s body metabolizes it. Today, it’s prescribed less frequently than in the past, especially for cough, due to safety concerns.

Would you like me to also create a comparison between Codeine and Tramadol, since both are considered “weaker” opioids and often used for similar pain conditions?