Definition of codeine
:a morphine derivative C18H21NO3·H2O that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used especially as an analgesic and antitussive
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Recent Examples of codeine from the Web
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Since shingles isn't comfortable, your doctor may also prescribe numbing agents, codeine, or a corticosteroid injection, to help with the pain.
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Most medications, even over-the-counter drugs like codeine, are tax free.
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Opioids are a class of drugs that range from prescription pain medications like oxycodone, codeine and morphine to illegal drugs like heroin.
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Schedule 5 is the least restrictive category, which includes medications like low-dose codeine cough syrup.
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How opioids work Prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and codeine work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing the intensity of pain and increasing a person’s tolerance to pain.
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Heroin, morphine and codeine was detected in 541of those deaths and Fentanyl, a powerful and highly addictive painkiller, was found in 483 cases.
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Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illicit drug heroin, as well as the licit prescription pain relievers oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others.
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These pills are a more powerful form of codeine, called hydrocodone, and are often mixed with acetaminophen.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'codeine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of codeine
French codéine, from Greek kōdeia poppyhead
CODEINE Defined for English Language Learners
Medical Dictionary
codeine
play
noun
co·deine
\
ˈkō-ˌdēn, ˈkōd-ē-ən
\
medical Definition of codeine
:a morphine derivative that is found in opium, is weaker in action than morphine, and is used chiefly in the form of its sulfate (C18H21NO3)2·H2SO4 or phosphate C18H21NO3·H3PO4 especially as a pain reliever and cough suppressant
- Although codeine is potentially addicting, it rarely causes physical dependence when taken orally for a short time.
- —Consumer Reports, February l983
Learn More about codeine
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See words that rhyme with codeine Spanish Central: Translation of codeine Nglish: Translation of codeine for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about codeine
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