What is codeine?
Q: What is codeine?
A: Codeine is an opiate used for its analgesic properties as well as to treat coughing and diarrhea.
Q: How is codeine marketed?
A: Codeine is marketed as the salts codeine sulfate and codeine phosphate. Codeine hydrochloride is more commonly marketed in continental Europe and other regions.
Q: What is the concentration of codeine in opium?
A: Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 percent.
Q: How can codeine be extracted?
A: Codeine can be extracted from opium.
Q: How is codeine synthesized today?
A: Today, most codeine is synthesized from morphine through the process of O-methylation.
Q: Why is codeine used for coughing and diarrhea?
A: Codeine is used for coughing and diarrhea because it has a suppressant effect on these bodily functions.
Q: What other properties does codeine have besides its analgesic properties?
A: Besides its analgesic properties, codeine also has antitussive (suppresses coughing) and antidiarrheal properties.
