Codeine – How long does it stay in your system?

Codeine – How long does it stay in your system?

Codeine, a prescription drug, is known for its pain-relieving effects. It is used to reduce mild to moderate pain and coughing. Normally prescribed by physicians, codeine is also misused by a number of people due to its euphoric effects. If you are currently taking codeine, the safest way is to take it as recommended by your physician or pharmacist to avoid or reduce the risk of an overdose. If you are searching for a way to pass your upcoming drug test at work because you have been consuming it for recreational purposes, you might consider seeking some help.

What is codeine?

Codeine (related to morphine) is an active compound in the opioid group. It has cough- and pain-relieving properties and is mainly prescribed for dry, irritating cough. In combination with paracetamol, codeine is also used as a painkiller. It has found itselfs at the center of the opioid epidemic because it is one of the most commonly prescribed and consumed opioid medications there is.[1]

As mentioned previously, codeine is part of the substances that fall under the controlled substance Act. What does this mean? It is a prescription drug and it should not be available to buy without one. Depending on the dosage and the type of medication it contains, the compound falls under one of five classifications (specifically as a Schedule II, III and V drug) created by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

All sorts of people tend to abuse this substance, taking it in high doses, chasing the euphoric state it produces, similar to those achieved with other compounds in the opioid class. As an opioid, codeine has a high potency to make its users addicted and this causes a lot of trouble.

Addictions are known to run havok in people’s lives. The individual sees himself confronted between having to pay bills, dealing with the many withdrawal symptoms caused by the consumption in high dosages and/or prolonged time and with the burden of drug testing in many workplaces. So, naturally, many people wonder: How long does this substance stay in my body?

How does your body process codeine?

Your liver is the organ in charge of metabolizing codeine. It is important to know that in order to be able to estimate how long this compound will stay in your system, as well as how long this process of cleansing takes. Once the codeine enters the bloodstream, it reaches the liver where it´s processed and turned into certain metabolites (codeine-6-glucuronide, morphine and norcodeine). These metabolites are the molecules which cause positive reactions in drug tests.[2]

It was determined that codeine possesses a half-life of about 3 hours, meaning that after 3 hours of consumption 50% of the substance was cleared from your body by your liver. Nevertheless, the remaining metabolites in your system stay for much longer than that.

Variables influencing the duration of concentration of codeine in your system

We know that the half-life of codeine is 3 hours, but there are certain factors which have an impact on how long the drug stays in the system of a user. These include:

• Dosage of consumption
• Frequency of consumption
• Duration of consumption
• Age
• Weight
• Level of physical activity
• Rate of metabolism 

Each of these variables is unique to every person. Therefore, it is impossible to predict with certainty for how long codeine will remain in a person’s system. Let alone if they will be able to pass a certain drug test.

Urine Tests

Scientific evidence proved that approximately 90% of codeine is eliminated through the urine.[4] This form of testing is the most widely used form of drug test. There are two main reasons behind it: low cost and easy to perform. This method is able to give a positive result for codeine 1 to 3 days after its usage.

Blood Tests

This method is more invasive than urine tests and therefore rarely used. They tend to be used as complementary test to confirm a previous positive urine test (even though this test is only able to detect codeine for up to 24 hours after consumption in the bloodstream).

Hair Follicle Tests

It is considered to be the drug test with the widest detection window, being able to trace consumption for up to 3 months after its consumption.

Risk of Abuse and Addiction

Codeine is generally described as a safe medication when used as prescribed and taken correctly. However, many people who abuse this drug are in fear of not passing a drug test, which can indicate a drug problem.

Codeine addiction may be difficult to spot at first sight, but there are a few warning signs to look out for:

• Person is regularly under the influence
• Visits multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions
• Signs of withdrawal when suspending consumption or pausing it for a short period of time
• Feeling the need to use the drug to function right
• Body develops tolerance
• Isolating from and lying to friends and family members
• Changes in mood, behaviors, appearance, sleeping patterns or weight
• Activities once previously enjoyed are no longer of interest

With increased dependency comes the increased risk of an opioid overdose. The intake of ever greater amounts, cross consumption with alcohol or other drugs, or using it in another way other than instructed by your physician or pharmacist is life-threatening.

The following symptoms include those experienced by those who overdose on codeine:[5]

• Cyanosis in skin and/or lips
• Dyspnea
• Hypothermia
• Hyperhidrosis
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Loss of consciousness
• Hypotension
• Small pupils
• Muscle weakness
• Weak or no pulse
• Coma
• Death

Should you witness anyone experiencing these overdose symptoms, please call 911 immediately.

Help for codeine Addiction

Do you know of somebody or are you someone who is addicted to codeine? It is time for you, your family member or the person affected to seek help from professionals. Getting sober is not as easy as one might think, but there are plenty of treatment options available and it is up to you to take the first step in the right direction.