Codeine

Codeine is an opiate drug. In the human body, it is made into morphine by the liver (a prodrug). It is the morphine that gives codeine its effects. It is mainly used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It is also commonly used as a recreational drug. It is found in the sap of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum.

It is usually used to treat lower amounts of pain than morphine is used for. It might work better if mixed with paracetamol (acetaminophen) as codeine/paracetamol or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It should not be used for coughs in children. It is usually taken by mouth. It typically starts working after half an hour, working best two hours after taking. It lasts for about four to six hours overall. Codeine can be addictive and too much can cause overdose. 

Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, itchiness, lightheadedness, and sleepiness. Codeine was first found in 1832 by Pierre Jean Robiquet. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Codeine makes up about 2% of opium.

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Category:Opioids
Category:Analgesics
Category:4,5-Epoxymorphinans
Category:Alcohols