How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your System?

Codeine is a stronger painkiller than most over the counter options (e.g paracetamol, ibuprofen). As a result it typically requires a prescription and is mostly used short-term. Here at Meds for Less we are committed to providing an effective, safe, and convenient healthcare experience. In this article, we discuss ‘how does long codeine stay in the system?’ including factors that affect how the medication is processed and different tests (e.g urine, blood, hair) that can detect codeine.

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a type of opioid painkiller medication that is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Like other painkillers it can come in different forms from tablets to liquids. It is often used when weaker painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen that you can get over the counter have not helped to relieve the pain. As codeine is a stronger painkiller, you are likely to need a prescription in order to buy it. However, in some cases codeine is combined with other Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen and sold over the counter.

How Codeine Works in the Body

So how does codeine actually work to relieve pain? The feeling of pain and the response to it is linked to receptors in the brain and the spinal cord called opioid receptors. Codeine binds to these opioid receptors which then reduces your sensation of pain. More specifically, codeine is processed in the liver and turned into morphine which is the active compound in the pain relief effect. The medication and breakdown products are then processed by the kidneys and excreted. Let’s move on to explore the question of how long does it take codeine to leave your system?

How Long Does Codeine Stay in the System?

If you have been searching up “codeine how long in system?” you may have found varying results. Typically, you start to feel the effects of codeine from 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. Then, codeine can last in your body for around 4 to 6 hours. However, this can vary considerably between individuals so for some people this timeframe will be shorter or longer.

How Long Does It Take Codeine to Leave Your System?

So how long does it take codeine to get out of your system? The time it takes for Codeine to fully leave your system will also depend on a range of individual and medication factors. Although the painkiller effect wears off after a few hours, the breakdown products of the medication can last for even up to a few days. Factors such as individual metabolism and the dose of codeine will affect how long it takes for your body to clear the drug.

How Long Does Liquid Codeine Stay in Your System?

Then how long does liquid codeine stay in your system? Despite being a different form, liquid and tablet codeine are absorbed and processed by the body in similar timeframes. The effect of the medication lasts a few hours but then may require several days to be fully cleared from your body. Like tablet codeine, liquid codeine will also be affected by factors like individual metabolism and medication dosage.

Codeine Detection Times by Test Type

It is difficult to give an exact timeframe for codeine detection times by test type as individual health or medication dose plays such a big factor. However, here is a general outline of how long codeine can be detectable with a urine test, blood test, saliva test, and hair test.

Urine Test

Generally codeine can be detected in the urine for around 2 days after taking the medication.

Blood Test

Codeine can be detected in the blood up to 24 hours after taking the medication.

Saliva Test

In the saliva, codeine can be detected for around 2 to 4 days after taking the medication.

Hair Test

As breakdown products of drugs are deposited in hair shafts gradually over time, the hair test may detect codeine for around 90 or more.

Factors Affecting How Long Codeine Stays in Your System

As mentioned, there are several factors that influence how long codeine stays in your system including:

• Age: metabolism in older adults may be slower and codeine may stay in the body for longer.
• Weight: a lower body mass might mean codeine is processed more slowly.
• Dose and frequency that you take codeine: taking a higher dose of codeine more frequently may mean the drug can accumulate in your body.
• Liver and kidney function: Impaired liver or kidney function can mean your metabolism is slower to process and clear the medication.
• Other medication: if you take any other medication, it may interact with the processing of codeine which can affect how long it stays in your system.
• Genetics: there are some conditions (e.g liver enzyme variations) that affect how your body processes codeine into morphine.

Risks and Side Effects of Codeine

Like all medication, codeine does come with a risk of side effects that you should be aware of. More common side effects include:

• constipation
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• sweating

If these persist or start to affect your daily activities, please consult your healthcare provider. There are also some more serious risks to look out for including:

• addiction from long-term use
• withdrawal symptoms from stopping suddenly after long-term use
• reduced effectiveness over time
• risk of overdose – breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, death

When to Use Codeine with Caution

Before using codeine, it is best to consult a medical professional because in some cases codeine may not be suitable for you. Some examples include:

• if you have kidney or liver problems
• if you have breathing problems (e.g respiratory conditions like COPD)
• if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• if you have low blood pressure
• any history of drug or alcohol dependance