The drug Codeine is a pain-relief medicine that comes from the opioid family of drugs. It’s a medication prescribed by doctors to relieve moderate to severe pain and stop coughing. While it works well for relieving pain, codeine can also be addictive if it’s not used carefully. Codeine is a Schedule II drug that is administered only according to a physician’s prescription. Codeine begins taking effect on the body by attaching to the pain receptors within the Central Nervous System, which creates the sensations of pain. The effects of Codeine occur relatively quickly, which relieves most individuals’ pain within 30 minutes of being given. Its half-life is roughly three hours. While it only has a three-hour half-life, codeine can stay in your system and be discovered through most drug tests for significantly longer than that.
Codeine can last for typically 15 hours, depending on the body of the person. It takes effect in the body within 30–60 minutes after administration, and its duration is 4–6 hours. Yes, Codeine will generally be detectable on most standard drug screens. Since it breaks down to morphine, several tests will identify it as an opioid. If you have a valid prescription, always inform your employer or testing agency beforehand to prevent confusion.
The following is an approximation time for how long it might stay:
- In blood: Codeine can usually be found for up to 24 hours after use.
- In urine: It may show up for around 2 to 3 days, depending on the person.
- In saliva: up to 4 days
- In hair: 90 days at most
After it is absorbed by the body, Codeine is broken down to morphine and other byproducts. These byproducts are the ones that drug tests target mostly.
What Can Change How Long Codeine Lasts in Your System
The length of time Codeine stays in your body depends on the following:
- Your age and weight
- How fast does your system digest
- The function of your liver and kidneys (since these help eliminate the drug)
- Frequency and the quantity you use
- Whether you have used any other drugs or drugs
- Your activity and hydration level
A person with a worse metabolism or weaker organs may take longer to clear the drug compared to a healthy adult.