Codeine

Nishi Boggavarapu
 Drugs and substance abuse infographics

01
America
500,000 Americans have
overdosed on Opioids

02
OTC usage
Codeine is available
OTC in many countries
Codeine
-33 Million Users all over the world.-Mainly used to manage
chronic pain
-Derived from Opium ● However there
-Around 7-14 times less are many “off-
potent than Morphine label” benefits

Fatal overdoses were

91%
accidental
Codeine
-Schedule III Drug ( Moderate-Low Potential for abuse)

-Off-label Uses include: cough, persistent diarrhea, and restless

leg syndrome

-Commonly used in
combination with other
medication
Codeine Street Usage
LEAN
Prescription Cough Syrup with codeine and
promethazine, soda, and hard candy.

More info
Produces effects that align with the typical abuse
profile of other opioids, inducing a sedative state
and a euphoric sensation characterized by dizziness
or a delirious feeling.
● Highly addictive and implicated in
many overdoses.
 Mechanism of Action

Bind to μ-receptors to
1. initiate the reaction

Activation of G-proteins
2.
coupled to the receptors.

Mechanisms
Activated G-proteins will inhibit
3. cAMP production, which is
necessary for signal amplification
within the cell.
 Mechanism of Action

Neurons become
4. hyperpolarized, less likely
to fire action potential.

The interrupted firing of the

5. neurotransmitters contributes
to codeine’s analgesic effects.

Mechanisms
6. Decrease pain signal and
euphoric sensation
ThANk You!
 References

1.Kay DC, Gorodetzky CW, Martin WR. Comparative Effects of Codeine and Morphine in Man. Journal of Pharmacology and
Experimental Therapeutics. 1967;156(1):101-106.
https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/156/1/101#:~:text=Using%20these%20parameters%2C%20valid%20potency. Accessed July 17,
2023.

2.Peechakara BV, Gupta M. Codeine. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526029/#article-19677.s3.

Accessed July 17, 2023.

3.Codeine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. medlineplus.gov.

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682065.html#:~:text=Codeine%20is%20used%20to%20relieve. Accessed July 17, 2023

4.D E P A R T M E N T O F J U S T I C E U. Resurgence in Abuse of “Purple Drank.”; 2011.

https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs43/43924/sw0008p.pdf. Accessed July 17, 2023

5.Codeine Addiction and Abuse - Addiction Center. AddictionCenter. Published 2013.

https://www.addictioncenter.com/opiates/codeine/
‌
6.Products - Data Briefs - Number 428 - December 2021. www.cdc.gov. Published December 28, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db428.htm

7.Drug Scheduling. www.dea.gov. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling#:~:text=Schedule%20III%20drugs%2C

%20substances%2C%20or