What is the Difference Between Codeine and Codeine Phosphate?

Codeine and codeine phosphate are essentially the same, as codeine phosphate is a salt form of codeine. Here are the key points:

• Codeine is an opioid analgesic, which means it is used to relieve mild to moderate pain.
• Codeine phosphate is a common ingredient in many medicinal preparations.
• The molecular formula of codeine phosphate is C18H21NO3, H3PO4•½H2O, and its molecular weight is 406.
• Codeine phosphate is available in tablet form, with dosages of 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg.
• It is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain, including post-operative pain and headache, as well as for the relief of symptoms of diarrhea (except diarrhea caused by poisoning).

The main difference between codeine and codeine phosphate is that codeine phosphate is a salt form of codeine, which is used in the production of certain medications. In terms of their analgesic properties and effects, they are similar, as codeine phosphate is simply a modified form of codeine.

Comparative Table: Codeine vs Codeine Phosphate

Codeine and codeine phosphate are both opioid analgesics, but they differ in their chemical composition and uses. Here is a table summarizing the differences between codeine and codeine phosphate:

Both codeine and codeine phosphate are used for the relief of mild to moderate pain, as well as for cough suppression and diarrhea relief. They are both classified as Schedule II drugs in the USA and have similar international classifications. However, their molecular formulas and weights differ, with codeine phosphate having an additional phosphate group. The administration of codeine is more varied, as it can be taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, and solutions, while codeine phosphate is available only in tablet and capsule formulations.