Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education For Health Care Professionals

On this episode, I discuss codeine pharmacology and practical clinical practice pearls. Codeine is metabolized by CYP2D6 to the active metabolite morphine. I discuss how this can be affected by genetics as well as other medications. Constipation is a problem with codeine and all opioids in general. Education and making a plan with patients to combat this side effect is important. Codeine is less potent than other opioids such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone.