Codeine - Chemistry Behind the Headlines 4

This video explains some of the chemistry behind codeine - which is an over-the-counter pain medication here in the UK. Recently, media attention has questioned whether codeine should be banned. As usual, this video tries to address the chemistry behind the story, discussing the mode of action of codeine, and how it relies on metabolic activation, which can vary between individuals. I reflect on how the benefits and risks of codeine may be balanced. There is a tutorial to support this video available on my YouTube channel. Music by Marillion (Happiness is the Road).

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• codeine
• morphine
• painkiller
• analgesic
• chemistry
• organic chemistry
• metabolism
• prodrug
• drug
• nurofen plus

[thewr0ngchild]

Codeine has stolen the last 4 years of my life through addiction. I am at present addicted to Nurofen Plus and Solphadine Max tablets, but I have an agency helping me now and I am about to be placed on an opiate substitute program.

I wonder, if you, as a professor could look into the addiction risks as opposed to the medical controversy? This is a dangerous drug, because it's addictive and should be a POM. I would like your feedback to that please :)

[ProfessorDaveatYork]

@thewr0ngchild You are correct - it is my view that the addictive nature of codeine is its biggest problem. However, all strong painkillers tend to be opiates and are to some extent addictive, and people genuinely in a lot of pain definitely need access to them to help with their symptoms. That is why I think some kind of computerised internet database where you present ID, and the purchase of codeine gets logged is the way forward for this type of drug.

[bingolingo2210]

I was at the IOE on Thursday too... I thought you were amazing, Your explanations were really useful and the whole thing with drug targeting was very well explained (though I was most upset I didn't get any sweets...I wasn't Russell or the person in the middle front row :( )

Anyway, thanks for coming to speak to us and making Chemistry more exciting than it is at school!

(I'm in Yr 13 by the way)

[ProfessorDaveatYork]

@bingolingo2210 Glad you enjoyed the talk. And chemistry is always exciting - I'm sure your teachers can also tell you loads of cool stuff!!

[MrOmran10]

i suffer from chronic migranes professor i have been on iboprofen naproxen paracetmal but they did not work till i was presribe co codomal 15/500mg the have been a god sent medince and have helped alot its a really good painkiller but its addictive my personaly apion they should not ban codeine but they should sell 2 packet of pills like 20 pills only that would be good

[7onySpilotro]

@thewr0ngchild oh poor you, codeine that evil thing has victimized you in ways that you cannot possibly be responsible for, because you are but a human unable to make rational decisions.

So let me get this stait... It is a dangerous drug because its addictive?? hmmmm? maybe its an addictve drug and your drug behaviour is dangerous. isnt that possible?

[HonorEtFides]

Excellent and informative video.

Note: If you are going to use music from an independent band that publishes under its own record label, then please give them the appropriate credit in your opening comment as you did in some of your other videos.

[nephildevil]

i srsly wonder what this guy has to say about salvorin A, so far all studies show it has zero toxicity but very high potency. Basically it completely destroys you and your world, and then about 7 minutes later builds it all back up and there u are again wondering wtf that was :D

[Corrupt5358]

@thewr0ngchild I totally agree with that, a paracetamol OD to the point of liver damage or death, is far worse than a codeine addiction. People addicted to codeine will risk their liver in order to acheive the desired codeine effect. I always use an extraction to remove most of the paracetamol, and I still class that as dangerous to the liver. I'll get my ass kicked for saying it but i would also advocate the selling of pure codeine. If it was sold next to alcohol people may be more aware.

[thewr0ngchild]

@Corrupt5358 The 'deaths that have occured as a result of OTC codeine addiction have happened because the user has ODed on paracetamol, which as you know destroys liver tissue, or ibuprofen, which destroys your stomach & kidneys. Most of the deaths & serious illness are from the added drugs. So, these pills really are a 'clean' type of badly cut drug, with other poisons added to the addictive substance, they are what do the harm. Would you advocate selling pure codeine? I would.

[thewr0ngchild]

@Corrupt5358 I am all FOR legalising drugs, I will have you know! Prohibition causes more problems than it is worth, and many drugs come from plants grown in the earth, which I don't think can even be made illegal. However, codeine mixed with PARACETAMOL AND IBUPROFEN, is the problem. The CODEINE alone is addictive but pretty harmless if you don't OD on it. The PARACETAMOL and IBUPROFEN are the problem here. It's the same with street cut drugs, they are often cut with harmful agents

[thewr0ngchild]

@Corrupt5358 you know what it is like to be addicted to this shit, you're in no place to judge. People like you are part of the problem, ignorant fucks who lump everyone into the same shallow little box. Have I hit a nerve? are you addicted to it to and fear it being removed from the shelves? probably, and if so, I feel sorry for you, but a change of attitude might be needed if this problem is to be solved on a wider scale.

[Corrupt5358]

@thewr0ngchild Another dumbass solution, get someone else who doesn't use codeine to get it for you. Problem solved.

[Corrupt5358]

@thewr0ngchild Only people like you need protecting from the government, damn! I'd be better off without them. I like to think and decide for myself. Do it your way and people will get it on the streets, mixed with shit that really DOES cause problems.