Codeine

Codeine, also known as 3-methylmorphine, is an opiate used to treat pain, as a cough medicine, and for diarrhea. It is typically used for mild to moderate degrees of pain. Greater benefit may occur when combined with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or aspirin. Evidence for use for cough is poor. In Europe it is not recommended as a cough medicine in those under twelve years of age. It is taken by mouth. It typically starts working after half an hour with maximum effect at two hours. Effects last for about four to six hours.

Common side effects include vomiting, constipation, itchiness, and lightheadedness. Serious side effects may include a decreased effort to breathe and addiction. It is unclear if its use in pregnancy is safe. Care should be used during breastfeeding as it may result in opiate toxicity in the baby. Codeine works following being broken down by the liver into morphine. How quickly this occurs depends on a person's genetics.

Codeine was discovered in 1832. In 2013 about 361,000 kilograms of codeine were produced while 249,000 kilograms were used. This makes it the most commonly taken opiate. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system. The wholesale cost is between 0.04 and 0.29 USD per dose as of 2014. In the United States it costs about one dollar a dose. Codeine occurs naturally and makes up about 2% of opium.

Codeine (disambiguation)

Codeine is an opiate used for its analgesic, antitussive, and antidiarrheal properties.

Codeine may also refer to:

See also

Codeine (band)

Codeine was an American indie rock band formed in 1989. They released two full-length albums—Frigid Stars LP in 1990 and The White Birch in 1994. The band broke up in 1994 shortly after the release of The White Birch, but made a small reunion in 2012.

Due to the band's slow and depressing musical style, they are credited as a pioneering act of what is known as "slowcore" or "sadcore".

History

Codeine was formed by members Stephen Immerwahr (vocal, bass), Chris Brokaw (drums), and John Engle (guitar). Codeine pioneered the slowcore and sadcore subgenres of indie rock, but with a more experimental attitude than other bands in the genre, such as Low, Idaho and Red House Painters. The band's original tone, marked by slow tempos, Immerwahr's nasal vocals, and Engle's ringing Telecaster, did not evolve much during their career.

Codeine released their first album Frigid Stars LP on the German label Glitterhouse in August 1990. The album was released on Sub Pop in the Spring of the following year.