warnings about codeine toxicity, especially in kids

June 2012

Please see FDA's Aug 2012 safety communication concerning codeine use in certain children

You'll see warnings about codeine toxicity, especially in kids.

Remember that codeine is a prodrug that's not active until it's metabolized to morphine by CYP2D6 enzymes. But 2D6 activity varies.

Up to 10% of Caucasians and up to 30% of some other races are ultrarapid metabolizers. They produce HIGHER morphine levels...increasing their risk of toxicity.

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