Codeine is without a shadow of doubt one of the best-known medications in the history of pharmaceuticals and there are more than a few reason for this. In this article, we will be looking at these reasons, trying to give you a clearer picture of what exactly Codeine is and why it holds such a special place in the wider world of pharmacology.
First of all, we should say a thing or two about the drug called Codeine. Namely, it is an opiate drug, which means that it is derived from poppy seeds. However, it should be pointed out that it is far more commonly extracted from morphine than directly from poppy as this makes for a much cheaper and more effective way of producing it.
Codeine is not exactly the most powerful painkiller in the world and it is therefore used for treating pain that ranges from mild to moderate. However, when compared to other medications that are used for the same purpose, it is obvious how effective it is. It also needs to be pointed out that its analgesic properties are not the only ones that make it so versatile. Namely, Codeine also acts as an antidiarrheal drug, which means that it can be used for treating severe diarrhea and also as an antitussive, meaning that it brings relief from cough, either mild or severe cough.
One of the main reasons why Codeine is such a popular drug in the world of pharmacology is that it can be used on its own, which has actually become quite rare and also in combination with other medications, as part of combination preparations, some of which are among the most commonly used medications on the market. For instance, Tylenol, one of the most common medications in the developed countries is actually a combination of Codeine and acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. AC&C is another combination medication that utilizes Codeine, together with aspirin this time. It is also commonly combined with ibuprofen and the resulting drug is known as Nurofen Plus. Another common use for Codeine is in cough syrups that are commonly prescribed and used by people who need to treat cough.
It should be said that Codeine, even though it is actually quite a mild opiate, still possesses the potential for causing dependence and tolerance after some time, which is the main reason why this drug needs to be used exactly as the doctor has prescribed. When it comes to side effects, the most common ones include drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation and mild itching. It needs to be said that these are not that common and that they are extremely rarely powerful enough to cause you to stop using Codeine or medications that contain this drug.
All in all, Codeine is a drug that is not only very common on its own, but that is also an ingredient in a number of very common medications. In fact, it is safe to say that you probably took Codeine at one point in your life, probably without even knowing it.