Codeine
The codeine is one of the Alcaloïde S contained in the soporific Pavot ( Papaver somniferum ). It is used like Antalgique and Antitussif.
A small fraction of the European population (7 to 10%) does not have the Enzyme necessary to the hepatic transformation of codeine into Morphine (this enzyme is a Cytochrome called CYP2D6). Codeine thus does not have any effect other than undesirable on this population. The effect Analgésique of codeine is much longer than that of the Morphine, because of this transformation. The changes of the plasmic morphine concentrations are much slower, which returns it less toxicomanogene than morphine. Moreover codeine itself inhibits the Cytochrome CYP2D6, which can decrease the effectiveness of this one, in addition to the tolerance to the morphine which increases.
It is used primarily by oral way. The intravenous way is generally not used and when it is it, this one is rather used to administrate small morphine amounts, which makes it possible to really know the morphine amounts used.
Pharmacology
Before the prohibition of the consumption of the Opium and others Opiated S with the the United States (1906), the medical community used the latter in order to treat some turbid anxious. Nowadays, the product range making it possible to fight against these disorders being packed, it is of use not to resort to morphine and codeine to look after these psychological pathologies sometimes invalidating.
Side effects
Codeine can produce a general state of somnolence, it is generally disadvised taking a Médicament containing codeine before leading a car or any other mechanical machine requiring an constant attention. In France, this warning statement is reproduced on the boxes of drugs including of codeine.Codeine can also induce a state of euphoria characteristic of opiates.
Codeine produces moreover an effect Sédatif on the muscles of the Intestin like the great majority of opiates. The regular codeine catch can involve a strong Constipation with severe following the duration and the administered doses with the patient. The stop of the catch generally involves a return of all the functions of the intestine in the very short term. If need be, the indication of a drug against the constipation can accompany the catch by codeine at sedative ends.
Mothers nursing and introducing codeine contained into many analgesics, are likely to expose their child to a morphine surdose, warned Friday, August 17, 2007 the American federal authorities.
Diverted use
Codeine being present in various drugs Cough mixture S or anti-pains on sale free in France, certain drug addicts with opiates divert these products of their normal use.The culture Hyphy is also often associated with the use of drank, a drink mixing a cough mixture containing codeine, with alcohol, cannabis and ecstasy (also called thizz pills).
Famous user: The billionaire recluse Howard Hughes used codeine in order to calm strong pains related to neurological and skeletal traumatisms caused by many air crashes.
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