Nobody can escape from being in physical pain at some point in their lives, but that doesn’t mean pain is untreatable. So many medications exist out there, all of which supposedly relieve you of physical pain through various mechanisms. However, it is safe to presume that Codeine is one of the most well-known painkillers in the world, which makes perfect sense, once you find out about everything it does for you. We will dedicate this brief article to shedding some light on the painkiller itself, explaining how it works and why it is so important for getting rid of pain.
Codeine is a natural isomer of morphine, meaning it is an opiate drug. It can be extracted directly from poppy seeds, especially in Iranian poppy, but it is much easier, cheaper and safer to make it through a morphine methylation process. It falls in the range of weak to midrange opioids and, as an analgesic, it is mostly used to treating mild to moderate pain. Still, this is not all it does. Codeine is also great for treating a cough or several bowel issues, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Codeine might not be particularly strong, but it is an effective and popular medication, and now we will explain why.
Codeine enjoys a somewhat special status in pharmacology since it can be used both on its own and in combination with other drugs, to enhanced effect. For example, everyone knows about Tylenol, but few are aware of the fact that it contains both paracetamol and Codein. Codein can also be found in numerous cough syrups and a variety of over the counter medications. When used in combination with other drugs, Codein achieves what is in pharmacology known as drug synergy, and then the combination provides much better effect than any of the ingredients on their own.
It is important to note that, regardless of the fact that it is a mild medication, you should never use Codeine on your own and before visiting your physician. Though it’s not nearly as potent as some other opiates and painkillers, Codeine could also cause some form of tolerance and dependence. Besides, prolonged use of any drug is never recommended, which is why it is pertinent that you adhere to the dosages and boundaries asserted by your doctor.
Since, it has to be said again, Codeine is a mild drug, side effects are almost never severe, but still might occur in some form. The most common side effects of using Codein are euphoria, itching, vomiting and nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, depression, constipation and even coughing may occur as a paradoxical symptom. It has also been reported that some may experience an allergic reaction to the drug in the form of skin-swelling and rashes. None of this should stop you from using Codeine, but if you do experience any of the side effects, you should call your doctor and adjust the treatment.