| Codeine
is the most widely used, naturally occurring narcotic
in medical treatment in the world. This alkaloid
is found in opium in concentrations ranging from
0.7 to 2.5 percent. However, most codeine used in
the United States is produced from morphine. Codeine
is also the starting material for the production
of two other narcotics, dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone.
Codeine is medically prescribed for the relief
of moderate pain and cough suppression. Compared
to morphine, codeine produces less analgesia,
sedation, and respiratory depression, and is usually
taken orally. It is made into tablets either alone
(Schedule II) or in combination with aspirin or
acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol with Codeine, Schedule
III). As a cough suppressant, codeine is found
in a number of liquid preparations (these products
are in Schedule V). Codeine is also used to a
lesser extent as an injectable solution for the
treatment of pain. Codeine products are diverted
from legitimate sources and are encountered on
the illicit market.
Source: DEA
SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE:
Symptoms include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness,
weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion,
tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.
|
