Codeine

Codeine is a pain reliever that comes in a category of drugs called Opiates. It is an opioid pain killer and prodrug of morphine which is used for treatment of moderate to severe pain. This medication is sometimes also used to reduce cough (dry cough). Due to the effectiveness of the medicine, you can easily buy Codeine online.

Codeine is basically used for ongoing pain. This drug makes its place in replacement of other pain reliever drugs. In a simplified way it means in ongoing pain when other medications that are generally used for pain don’t work, then Codeine is used.

Codeine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults only. This medication is a prescription-only drug. Codeine has the potential for drug abuse so the recommendation of your healthcare physician is mandatory.

How can we buy Codeine online without a prescription?

First of all, let’s be clear that it is dangerous to buy Codeine without a prescription. But if you insist on buying Codeine online, then you can always opt for a pharmacy that is genuine and trusted. This medicine can have various fake substitutes so be careful while purchasing the pills.

Comparing the Mechanism of Action and Effectiveness:

Let’s take a look at the mechanism and efficacy of Codeine.

Mechanism of Action:

Codeine is an opiate used for the treatment of any kind of pain either mild, moderate, or severe, and cough. The specific mode of action of Codeine is still not known but it is thought that it is mediated through the agonism of opioid receptors (mu-opioid receptors).

Morphine, which is 10 times more effective against the mu receptor than codeine, is created in the liver during the metabolism of codeine. The last step of the mechanism is that Codeine binds to mu receptors and activates G-proteins (Gαi) which reduces intracellular cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP) and Ca2+ levels.

This impairs the transmission of pain signals by causing nociceptive (central nervous system and peripheral nervous system neurons) to become hyper-polarized.

Effectiveness:

Codeine is effective in treating pain and cough. It takes around one hour for Codeine to start its effect. Codeine can last for about 3 – 4 hours but it totally depends upon the dose. A person can feel lethargic, tired, and lightheaded after taking Codeine. This drug can stay for about 2 days in the body after the last dose taken.

It is important to take Codeine as guided by your healthcare professionals. Keep in mind to avoid taking it with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness.

Uses and Doses of Codeine Pills :

Uses of Codeine:

Codeine belongs to a class of drugs called opiate (narcotic). This medication is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also used for treating cough. Basically, Codeine is used in combination with other drugs to reduce coughing.

Codeine drug usually acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce pain. Long-term use of codeine can lead to habit formation and physical or mental dependence.

However, those who experience ongoing pain shouldn’t allow their fear of becoming dependent on drugs to prevent them from using narcotics as a pain reliever. Narcotics used for this purpose are unlikely to cause mental dependence or addiction.

Doses of Codeine for Patients :

Codeine is available in the form of oral tablets, liquids, and as an injection. This drug is a prescription-only drug. The dosage strengths of Codeine are 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg. These dosage strengths are followed by two chemical components which are the part of this medicine sulfate and phosphate.

The initial dosage for adults with pain is 15 mg to 60 mg orally up to every 4 hours as needed. The maximum dosage is 360 mg in a day.

Note: Codeine injections are usually only given in the hospitals and Codeine is also available in the syrup form known as Linctus to treat dry cough.

Working of Codeine:

Codeine reduces the perception of pain by acting on the brain and nervous system. The way that codeine relieves pain is by weakly binding to the mu-opioid receptor, which is a particular type of opioid receptor. This binding occurs with significantly less affinity than that of morphine.

Understand it in a simplified way. By interfering with the nerves’ ability to transmit pain signals from the brain to the body, Codeine acts directly on the central nervous system to decrease sensations of pain. Additionally, it inhibits the brain activity responsible for controlling coughing.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Using Codeine:

Common Side Effects:

• Noisy breathing
• Sighing
• Slow heart rate
• Shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Light-headed feeling
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Euphoria
• Seizure
• Difficulty while urinating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Worsening
• Tiredness
• Hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts
• Unusual behaviour
• Weakness

Risks:

• Bloating
• Blurred vision
• Trouble in breathing
• Increased or decreased heartbeat
• Sudden change in blood pressure (low or high)
• Darkening of skin
• Fainting
• Tightness in the chest
• Trembling
• Unconsciousness
• Excessive sweating

Alternatives to Codeine:

Some of the secondary options are available for use instead of Codeine. Mentioned below is the list of alternatives to Codeine.

1. Tramadol: Tramadol is a strong pain reliever. This medication is used for treating general and nerve-related pain. Usually, Tramadol is prescribed for back pain, chronic pain, etc. Sometimes it is also prescribed for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many more.

2. Tapentadol: Comparably to Tramadol, Tapentadol is a centrally acting analgesic that acts as a weak norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor.

3. Oxycodone: Oxycodone is another opioid pain medication. It is also known as a narcotic. The primary purpose of this medication is to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended-release (ER) form of this medication is mainly used for around-the-clock treatment of pain.

4. Hydrocodone: Hydrocodone is also a potential alternative for Codeine. Same as Oxycodone the ER form of this medication is used for around-the-clock treatment of pain.

5. Gabapentin: Gabapentin can be used for the treatment of partial-onset seizures nerve pain and restless leg syndrome. This medication belongs to the family of Anticonvulsants.