HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Long Does Codeine Stay In Body System?

default
Posted on Fri, 6 Nov 2015
Question: 1. How long does fierociet w/ codiene take to get out of your system?

2 How does it work? be as thorough and detailed as possible.. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
About 90% elimination in 24 hours

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

Fioricet(acetaminophen) with codeine is used in analgesia to relieve pain.The peak effect of codeine is seen after 2-4 hours and 90% of the drug gets eliminated through the urine in 24 hours. Similarly about 80-90% of acetaminophen also gets eliminated through urine in 24 hours.
Codeine is an opioid and it works through the opioid receptors in brain to cause sedation and analgesia.Acetaminophen is a nonsteroid antiinflammatory medication and it does not causes sedation unlike codeine.

Please provide details that in which context you want to get the information, so that I better able to help you out.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (12 minutes later)
another words what is the half life of the codeine, how long does it take the pain away for, it's directed 2 tabs every 4-6 hours?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Half life about 3 hours

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

The plasma half life of codeine is about 3 hours and 90% of oral dose is excreted in the urine within 24 hours of the dosing.With usual therapeutic dose the peak effect of analgesia(pain relief) reaches at about 2 hours and the effect persists for 4-6 hours.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (17 hours later)
I thought oral pain medication lasted longer than intervenous? Is that true or is that false? I am directed to take two tabs of Fierociet with codeine every 2 to 4 hours as needed for pain is that too often?



I would like a detail and thorough answer please
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Details below

Detailed Answer:
Difference between oral and intravenous medication is that the time to achieve peak affect is less in intravenous medication.
In oral medication the drug has to pass through the gut and liver before reaching the blood circulation.In intravenous medication the drug reaches directly to the blood and thus the time of peak effect is earlier in comparison to oral medication.But once the drug reaches to the circulation the metabolism is same irrespective of the route of administration.
So it is not like that effect of oral medication lasts longer than intravenous.
The usual dose of codeine tablet is 1-2 tablet 2-4 hourly depending on the severity.It should be taken under physician supervision.
In case of excessive sedation the dose may need to be decreased.

Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Long Does Codeine Stay In Body System?

Brief Answer: About 90% elimination in 24 hours Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for asking on this platform Fioricet(acetaminophen) with codeine is used in analgesia to relieve pain.The peak effect of codeine is seen after 2-4 hours and 90% of the drug gets eliminated through the urine in 24 hours. Similarly about 80-90% of acetaminophen also gets eliminated through urine in 24 hours. Codeine is an opioid and it works through the opioid receptors in brain to cause sedation and analgesia.Acetaminophen is a nonsteroid antiinflammatory medication and it does not causes sedation unlike codeine. Please provide details that in which context you want to get the information, so that I better able to help you out. Regards