Question

Codeine is used as an analgesic.
Which of the following statements is false?

• A. The structure is a weaker analgesic than morphine.
• B. The structure acts as a prodrug.
• C. The structure is converted to morphine in the brain.
• D. The coloured methyl group masks an important binding group.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The structure is converted to morphine in the brain.

Codeine is an opiate used to treat pain, as a cough medicine, and for diarrhea. It is typically used to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain. The greater benefit may occur when combined with paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Codeine works by being broken down by the liver into morphine.