Codeine is a morphine-like painkiller forming part of the class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. Codeine is usually used in combination with other painkillers. Besides acting as a painkiller, codeine also has cough-relieving properties. It is prescribed to treat tickly coughs and moderate to severe pain, sometimes in combination with the painkiller paracetamol.
Codeine and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which codeine is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of codeine can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes.
Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Codeine and the enzyme CYP2D6
Codeine is processed to a large extent by the enzyme CYP2D6.
The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of codeine can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with codeine.
Read more about CYP2D6 enzyme »
Also known as
Codeïnefosfaat, ACCod, Melrosum, Bronchicum