How Long Does Codeine Stay In Your System?

Codeine is an analgesic drug in the opioid family typically prescribed to relieve mild to moderate pain. It is also used for cough suppression, diarrhea, and other secondary treatments. Codeine is commonly combined with other medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol 3 with Codeine) or the anti-nausea drug promethazine (Phenergan with Codeine).

Codeine is one of the most frequently misused substances among young people because it is relatively easy to obtain and can produce a pleasurable high. In addition, its prominent representation in pop culture in recent years has led many young adults to view the misuse of codeine as trendy or appealing.

Using codeine for recreational purposes is often called “leaning” or “sipping on syrup.” People typically mix it with soda to make a drink known as sizzurp or syrup. Other common street names for codeine include lean, purple drank (usually referring to codeine combined with promethazine cough syrup), Cody, schoolboy, and T-3s (which are Tylenol #3 that contains codeine).

Those taking the drug may wonder, how long does the codeine remain in my body? To understand this, let’s look at how the body processes codeine and how different tests can detect its presence in your system.

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is a synthetic prescription opioid classified as an analgesic, so it shares several characteristics with other opiates like heroin and opium. It is frequently found in prescription-strength cough medications or combined with common over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (for instance, Tylenol No.3). Codeine can also be dispensed in tablet or caplet form. Its primary medical applications include pain management and cough suppression, and its effects generally last between four to six hours.

Because it is categorized as a Schedule II medication, codeine carries a high risk for misuse, which could result in severe physical or psychological dependence. However, when codeine is combined with other substances like acetaminophen, it is often designated as a Schedule III drug.

How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your System?

Codeine has a relatively brief elimination half-life, typically around three to four hours. The elimination half-life is the duration required for half of a single dose of a substance to leave the body. In many cases, a full dose of codeine will exit the system within approximately 16 hours.

Nonetheless, the body metabolizes codeine into several byproducts, such as morphine-3-glucuronide and codeine-6-glucuronide, which have a longer half-life than codeine itself. Therefore, it may take up to 24 hours for both codeine and its metabolites to be fully cleared from an individual’s body.

Factors That Influence How Long Codeine Stays in Your System

The timeline for codeine’s elimination can vary significantly among individuals. Several factors can affect how quickly or slowly codeine and its metabolites leave the body, including:

• Age
• Weight
• Height
• Body composition and fat percentage
• Genetic makeup
• Liver and kidney function

Will Codeine Show Up on a Drug Test?

As part of the opioid family, codeine will be identifiable on most drug screenings, including standard five-panel tests. The detection window depends on the type of test used:

• Urine tests: Can detect codeine from roughly 24 to 48 hours after the last dose.
• Blood tests: Ideally taken 30 minutes to one hour following the last dose for peak detection, but can reveal codeine use for up to 24 hours.
• Hair tests: Codeine may be found in hair follicles within two to three weeks and can remain traceable for up to 90 days.
• Saliva tests: May detect codeine for as long as four days.

Can Someone Become Addicted to Codeine?

When prescribed and used correctly, codeine can be an effective remedy for mild to moderate pain or to control persistent coughs. However, it is still an opioid and can be habit-forming, especially if misused. Codeine depresses the central nervous system, which may result in:

• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Slowed heart rate

Because many people begin using codeine under medical supervision, they might not recognize they are developing a physical or psychological reliance on it. Although the journey from recommended usage to misuse varies, several common signs of a growing dependence include:

• Increasing tolerance
• Fixation on obtaining more codeine
• Feeling compelled to continue using despite consequences
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug

If you notice a friend or family member exhibiting these warning signals, they could be struggling with a codeine use disorder:

• Secrecy about their whereabouts or activities
• Changes in behavior or social group
• General fatigue or lack of motivation
• Engaging in high-risk behaviors with codeine
• Inability to reduce or stop usage
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or within their community

Physical indicators of prolonged codeine misuse or addiction might include:

• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of interest in past hobbies or activities
• Cold sweats
• Poor coordination
• Confusion
• Sudden mood swings
• Altered sleep patterns

Risk of Codeine Overdose

Taking larger amounts of codeine than prescribed or abusing it can result in overdose, and even a single instance of misuse may prove fatal. For those with a substance use disorder, this risk is substantially heightened.

The most frequently reported cause of death from codeine overdose is respiratory failure. However, non-fatal consequences can also be dire, including:

• Brain damage
• Seizures
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Hypothermia
• Pulmonary edema
• Muscle tissue breakdown

Signs and symptoms of a potential overdose may include:

• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Shallow, slowed, or no breathing
• Cold or clammy skin
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Extreme drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Feeling lightheaded
• Losing consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle tremors
• Pinpoint pupils
• Unresponsiveness
• Weak or irregular pulse

If you suspect someone is experiencing a codeine overdose, call 911 immediately. Prompt medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Help for Opiate Abuse

If you or someone you love is struggling with opiates like codeine, please reach out today for assistance. Our expert, caring staff is ready to help you. We have a long history of safe, effective treatment at our Palmer Lake, Colorado facilities.