Codeine is rapidly metabolized to which compound after absorption?

Study for the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Prepare for the exam with comprehensive study materials and detailed explanations for each question.

Multiple Choice

Codeine is rapidly metabolized to which compound after absorption?

Explanation:
Codeine acts as a prodrug that requires metabolic activation. In the liver, codeine is O-demethylated by the enzyme CYP2D6 to morphine, which provides the majority of codeine’s analgesic effect. This rapid conversion explains why morphine is the active metabolite formed after absorption. The other substances listed are not produced from codeine metabolism, and genetic differences in CYP2D6 can make this conversion faster or slower in different individuals, affecting both efficacy and safety.

Codeine acts as a prodrug that requires metabolic activation. In the liver, codeine is O-demethylated by the enzyme CYP2D6 to morphine, which provides the majority of codeine’s analgesic effect. This rapid conversion explains why morphine is the active metabolite formed after absorption. The other substances listed are not produced from codeine metabolism, and genetic differences in CYP2D6 can make this conversion faster or slower in different individuals, affecting both efficacy and safety.

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