Codeine Phosphate

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Cat Number

API0231596

CAS Number

52-28-8

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

52-28-8

EINECS

200-137-8

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Tricodein; (-)-Codeine Phosphate; DTXSID0024844; Codeini phosphas

Molecular Formula

C18H24NO7P

Molecular Weight

397.4

Smiles

CN1CC[C@]23[C@@H]4[C@H]1CC5=C2C(=C(C=C5)OC)O[C@H]3[C@H](C=C4)O.OP(=O)(O)O

Appearance

White crystalline powder

Melting Point

154-158℃

Boiling Point

462℃ at 760 mmHg

General Description

Codeine phosphate is a naturally occurring opium alkaloid classified as a moderate opioid analgesic and antitussive. It is a prodrug that requires metabolic activation to produce most of its analgesic effect.

Mechanism of Action

Codeine itself has low affinity for the mu-opioid receptor; its analgesic activity derives primarily from O-demethylation to morphine via the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2D6. Morphine then activates mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering pain perception. As an antitussive, codeine acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla, raising the threshold for cough production.

Application

Codeine is indicated for mild to moderate pain when non-opioid analgesics are insufficient, and as a suppressant for non-productive cough.

In a randomized study of 62 patients with acute pericoronitis from an impacted third molar, group A received naproxen sodium 550 mg + codeine phosphate 30 mg, and group B received dexketoprofen trometamol 25 mg + paracetamol 300 mg. Over 7 days, VAS scores decreased by 83.4% in group A (from 7.61 to 1.26) and by 91.5% in group B (from 7.19 to 0.61), with a significant difference only on day 7 favoring group B. Both combinations were effective, but dexketoprofen/paracetamol provided superior pain reduction at day 7. Both are suitable for preoperative acute dental pain management.

Fig. 1 Flow chart of the study. (Doğru İ, Ciğerim L, 2025)

References

Doğru İ, Ciğerim L. Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of dexketoprofen trometamol and paracetamol with naproxen sodium and codeine phosphate combinations in acute toothache. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):36381.

Does Codeine Phosphate require protection from light during long-term storage?

Yes, it is moderately photosensitive. Prolonged light exposure can cause discoloration and degradation. Store in light-resistant, tightly sealed containers.

What are the security requirements for shipping Codeine Phosphate as a controlled substance?

As a Schedule II narcotic, it requires secure, chain-of-custody shipping with tamper-evident packaging. We provide all necessary DEA and international narcotics permits.

Is Codeine Phosphate hygroscopic, and how is this managed?

Yes, it is hygroscopic and may absorb moisture, leading to caking and potential hydrolysis. Store in tightly sealed containers with desiccant in a dry environment.

How is the impurity morphine monitored during stability?

Morphine (a key degradation and process impurity) is specifically quantified using a validated HPLC method with a low detection limit, ensuring compliance with regulatory limits.