Codeine vs Hydrocodone
As both, hydrocodone and codeine, are being narcotic analgesics, it is useful to know the difference between codeine and hydrocodone. Opium poppy is a world famous beautiful flower which is purposely cultivated for manufacturing of drugs and liquor. The major extraction of opium poppy is opium that is used in drug manufacturing. Opioid analgesics are pain killers used for mild to severe pains. Usually, long-term use of opioid analgesics is not recommended because of its common adverse effects, dependence and tolerance. There are opioid receptors in our central and peripheral nervous systems and in the gastrointestinal tract. Opioids bind to those opioid receptors to produce its pharmacological activity. Both hydrocodone and codeine are opioid analgesics. Both drugs are approximately same because both belong to same drug class and derived from the same plant. However, there are some differences between codeine and hydrocodone when considering the ingredients and synthetic methods.
What is Hydrocodone?
Carl Mannich and Helene LÖwenhein are two fathers of hydrocodone because they synthesized hydrocodone first in Germany in 1920. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever. It is available only as a combined product. It acts as a cough suppressant in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. According to the chemical structure, it is named as 4, 5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl morphinan-6-one. Onset of action of hydrocodone is about 10-30 minutes. Action duration of it is about 4-6 hours.
Pharmacology of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone produces its action on binding with opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Less than 50% of hydrocodone is bound to plasma protein.
Pharmacokinetics of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is metabolized in the liver after oral administration. CYP3A4 catalyzed oxidation is the pathway to form a major metabolite called norhydrocodone. Cytochrome p 450 enzymeCYP2D6 is responsible for converting hydrocodone to hydromorphone that is a more potent metabolite.
Side effects of Hydrocodone
The common adverse effects of hydrocodone are nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fuzzy thinking, anxiety, itching and narrowing pupils. Taking hydrocodone during the first trimester of pregnancy may produce several harmful defects on the unborn baby. Tolerance and dependence are common with opioid analgesics such as hydrocodone.
Contraindications of Hydrocodone
There are some drug substances which should not be taken with hydrocodone. It may lead excessive central nervous system depression. Those drugs are other opioid drugs, alcohol, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents and over the counter products. Patients should take advices from doctors and pharmacists if they have undergone a surgery.
Food interactions with Hydrocodone
Taking alcoholic beverages with hydrocodone is not recommended due to additive central nervous system depression. There are CYP3A4 inhibitors in grapefruit juice. So there is a belief that grapefruit juice interferes with hydrocodone metabolism but there are not proved studies.
What is Codeine?
Pierre Robiquet first discovered codeine in 1832. Codeine is a direct extraction of opium. However, it is synthesized in bulk from morphine through the process of o-methylation. Codeine has a wide safety margin. Chemical name of codeine is (5α,6α )-7,8-dihydro-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl m or -6-ol. Codeine is a mild to moderate pain reliever and a cough suppressant. It is effective in severe diarrhea also.
Pharmacokinetics of Codeine
The enzyme CYP2D6 catalyzes hepatic conversion of codeine to morphine .Norcodeine is another metabolite of codeine. UGT2B7 conjugate codeine, norcodeine and morphine to produce 3- and 6- glucuronides. Morphine is a potent metabolite of codeine. Toxicity of it leads severe adverse effects. Kidneys excrete codeine and its metabolites as conjugated substances with glucuronic acid.
Side effects of Codeine
More common side effects of codeine are drowsiness and dizziness. Nursing mothers should not take codeine or should discontinue breast-feeding while taking codeine. Using codeine during the pregnancy produces life-threatening effects on the unborn baby. Long term therapy is not suitable because of tolerance and dependence.
Food interactions with Codeine
Taking alcohol with codeine may produce dangerous side effects. So patients should not take alcohol or drugs containing alcohol while taking the medicine. Medicines such as selective reuptake inhibitors, antihistamines, diphenhydramines and antidepressants decrease the hepatic conversion of codeine to morphine. Rifampicin and dexamethasone induce the conversion of codeine to morphine.
What is the difference Between Codeine and Hydrocodone?
Both hydrocodone and codeine are narcotic analgesics. Both drugs produce similar therapeutic effects because both belong to same drug class. Tolerance and dependence are common with both hydrocodone and codeine. Patients should not drive vehicles and operate machines while taking hydrocodone and codeine because both produce dizziness like symptoms.
- The molecule of codeine bears an –OH group representing an alcohol. The molecule of hydrocodone contains a ketone group.
- Both hydrocodone and codeine are the products of the same plant opium poppy. Codeine is found in the pod of opium poppy. However, due to many practical reasons codeine is synthesized from morphine.
- Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic drug. Codeine and thebaine are the main ingredients of hydrocodone. However, conducted studies show that hydrocodone is more effective than codeine.
- Codeine is prescribed for mild pains while hydrocodone is prescribed for moderate to severe pains. Codeine is a n effective treatment for severe diarrhea.
- Hydromorphone and norhydrocodone are the major metabolites of hydrocodone. Morphine is the major metabolite of codeine.
- Patients can take codeine orally and subcutaneously. Intravenous administration of codeine is not suitable because of the dangerous side effects.
- Hydrocodone is an oral treatment.
Hydrocodone and codeine are mainly used as pain killers. Strengths of the two drugs are slightly different. Hydrocodone produces not only strong side effect but also produces potential side effects than codeine. Physicians prescribe both drugs for patients considering the patient factors. Both drugs should be used as a medical treatment. Taking hydrocodone and codeine without prescriptions produce unwanted effects.
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