Urinary excretion of codeine and morphine following the administration of codeine-containing cold syrup.
The concentrations of codeine ([C]) and morphine ([M]) excreted in urine obtained from nine subjects at various time intervals after the ingestion of 10-40 mg of both simple and compound codeine doses three times per day for three days were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Four distinct [C]/[M] distribution patterns (phases) were observed: a, [C] > [M] from ingestion of first dose to 78-108 h after ingestion of the first dose (18-48 h after the ingestion of the last dose); b, [C] approximately [M] 78-90 h after ingestion of the first dose (18-30 h after ingestion of the last dose); c, [C] < [M] 78-102 h after ingestion of first dose (18-42 h after ingestion of the last dose); and d, [C] <0.05 microg/mL and [M] > 0.05 microg/mL 84-96 h after ingestion of the first dose (24-36 h after ingestion of the last dose with [M] ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 microg/mL) toward the terminal phase. No single individual exhibited all four [C]/[M] distribution characteristics during the entire excretion period and intervals monitored in this study. These data are of reference value for differentiating codeine and morphine/heroin ingestion.
Chang
B L
BL
National Laboratories of Foods and Drugs, Department of Health, Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang
M K
MK
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000652:urine*; D003061:Codeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000652:urine*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000652:urine*; D012016:Reference Values
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D003061:Codeine