- published: 23 Feb 2015
- views: 11003448
Codeine 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 three percent; 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 (tramadol, dextropropoxyphene, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone).
Codeine is used to treat mild to moderate pain and to relieve cough. Codeine is also used to treat diarrhea and diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome, although loperamide (which is available OTC for milder diarrhea), diphenoxylate, paregoric or even laudanum (also known as Tincture of Opium) are more frequently used to treat severe diarrhea.
Codeine is marketed as both a single-ingredient drug and in combination preparations with the analgesic acetaminophen (paracetamol) (as co-codamol, e.g. brands Paracod, Panadeine, Paramol, and the Tylenol with codeine series including Tylenol 3 and 4); 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, 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 those mentioned above.
Dry heave doubt
From a little old dragon's mouth
Split lip and split tongue
Finally, cross-eyed
She stands next to the cigarette machine
This device has got it made, she thinks
It has a cast-iron stomach, but a candle for a heart
Odd the way the very stuff falls out
Hard the way it makes you doubt
This thing leaps up, complains, full of vile
Not even star-crossed, just unlucky
Odd how the very stuff falls out
Hard the way it makes you smile
This things leaps up, complains