The Drug Codeine :: essays research papers

The Drug CodeineWe used several divergent sources to gather our information. We go informationfrom Jay Moser and Sue Peterson, our two local pharmacists. We researched medical checkup encyclopedias, journals, and magazines. Codeine is known medically asmethylmorphine. It is a drug derived from opium, a poppy arrange. It was observe in 1832 by French chemist Pierre-Jean Robiquet. Codeine constitutesabout 0.5 to 2.5 percent of this plant substance. The drug has been in use sincethe early 1900s and it sh bes most of the pharmacologic characteristics ofmorphine, the other alkaloid in opium. Codeine is classified as a narcotic, ithas the same painkiller effectuate as morphine but is only one-sixth to one-tenth asstrong. Codeine occurs as a colorless or white crystals or as a white,crystalline powder and is slightly soluble in water supply and freely soluble inalcohol. The phosphate and sulfate salts of codeine occur as white, needle-shaped crystals or white, crystalline powders. Why is it used? Codeine is most serviceable in the relief of mild to moderate pain. It is also used as a cough remedybecause it suppresses the part of the brain that triggers coughing, and as ananti-diarrheal drug, because it slows scratch off muscle contractions in the intestinalwall. There are possible unfavorable effects. The most frequently observed adversereactions include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, andsweating. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and inthose who are not suffering severe pain. Other adverse reactions include the following(a) (1) Central Nervous System- Euphoria, dysphoria, weakness, headache,insomnia, agitation, disorientation, and visual disturbances. (2)Gastrointestinal- Dry mouth, anorexia, constipation, and biliary tract spasm.(3) Cardiovascular- Flushing of the face, abnormally slow heartbeat, faintness,and syncope. (4) Genitourinary- Urinary retention of hesitancy, anti-diureticeffect. (5) Allergic- s kin rashes.Most drug manufactors key specific warnings to be aware of when taking codeine.(1) Codeine sulfate can set out drug dependence of the morphine type, andtherefore has the potential for being do by psychic dependence, physicaldependence and tolerance may develop upon retell administration of Codeine.(2) Codeine may impair the mental and or physical abilities compulsory for theperformance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operatingmachinery. (3) Patients receiving other narcotic painkillers, generalanesthetics, tranquilizers, or other central nervous system depressants,including alcohol with codeine may gift an additive central nervous systemdepression. Who shouldnt take codeine? Pregnant women should not use codeinebecause safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Children down the stairs the ageof three shouldnt be given this drug for that age assemblage hasnt been established.Codeine should be given with caution to certain patients such as the fourth-year or