Journal Suggests Ending Codeine Use

The painkiller codeine may need to be phased out. Even normal doses can be dangerous for some people. So say the editors of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The editorial appears in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Codeine is found some over-the-counter medicines, such as adult cough syrups. The body converts codeine into morphine, which relieves pain. But some people’s bodies process codeine much faster than others, the editors say. This is caused by differences in certain genes. Most people don’t know if they have these genes. For those who do, the result could be a swift, toxic dose. At least two deaths and one severe brain injury among children have been linked to this effect. The best course may be to stop using codeine, the editors say. Instead, morphine could be used because its effects are more predictable.