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Codeine
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.
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