Codeine

General Information

Codeine is a narcotic analgesic occurring naturally in opium from which it was first isolated in 1832. It is produced commercially by the 3-O-methylation of morphine. It is considered to be 1/10 to 1/6 as potent an analgesic as morphine in man on a weight basis, but is quite effective as an antitussive. Single adult normal release doses of 15-60 mg are given orally or by subcutaneous injection, and the total daily dose may range from 60-240 mg. Codeine is found in numerous proprietary preparations in combination with non-narcotic analgesics, antihistamines and other drugs.

Codeine is biotransformed in man via O-demethylation to morphine and via N-demthylation to norcodeine. All 3 compounds are excreted in the urine as both free drugs and as glucoronide conjugates.

The adverse effects of codeine therapy include nausea, vomiting, sedation, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, constipation, rash and respiratory depression.

Please note, this assay is for the quantitative determination of codeine in blood. Codeine use may also be detected via our urinary Drugs of Abuse Screen by LC-MS/MS.