codeine

Codeine is the most widely used, naturally occurring narcotic in medical treatment.

Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₂₁N₁O₃

Other names: 7,8-Dihydro-4,5-alpha-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-alpha-ol

Layman's explanation: Codeine was first isolated from opium by the French Chemist Pierre-Jean Robiquet in 1832. It works by binding to specific pain receptor sites in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord). Codeine is given orally as an ingredient in syrups to relieve coughing; it has antispasmodic and sedative effects. It is also combined with nonnarcotic analgesics and is used orally to relieve pain.

Keywords: sedative, analgesic, narcotic

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