Codeine

Question 1

What class of drug is codeine?

Answer 1

Opiate
Natural opioid

Question 2

What are the uses of codeine?

Answer 2

• analgesic
• cough suppression
• anti-diarrhoea

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of codeine?

Answer 3

• Binds to u receptors to stimulate the release of dopamine
• converted to morphine by CYP2D6 enzymes

Question 4

What are adverse drug reactions of codeine?

Answer 4

• constipation + urinary retention
• flushing + headaches
• hyperhidrosis
• miosis
• nausea
• respiorty depression

Question 5

What are important drug drug interactions of codeine?

Answer 5

• other CNS depressants e.g. AEDs or benzos
• other opioid containing drugs
• CYP enzyme inhibitors