Codeine medicinal chemistry

Weller, D.D. 8c Rapoport, H. (1976) A Practical Synthesis of Codeine from Dihydrothebainone. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 19, 1171-1175. 

The medicinal chemistry and pharmacology of codeine can also shed light on why specific side effects (the unintended, undesirable, and unwanted effects) associated with codeine occur. Codeine s side effects, or toxicities, are discussed in the next chapter. 

Aincriciin Chemical. Society Rrsl National Medicinal Chemistry Symposium. Columbus. OH. Amcricun Chemical Society. 1948. pp. I5 49. Anonymous Codeine and Certain Other Analgcs ic and Aniiluvsivc Agents A Review. Railway. NJ. Merck Co.. 1 370. 

Lawson, J. A., and J. L DeGiaw. "An Improved Method for O-Demethylation of Codeine." Journal cf Medicinal Chemistry, 201977,165-166. 

Together, the chemistry of codeine and the drug s absorption into the bloodstream, distribution to various compartments and tissues in the body, metabolism (breakdown of the parent compound into smaller molecules, or metabolites), and excretion are intimately related to how codeine exerts its medicinal or therapeutic effects. Codeine s chemical properties and pharmacologic characteristics explain how, figuratively speaking, a spoonful of codeine can relieve pain, suppress cough, or act as an antidiarrheal. 

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