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Codeine vs. Opium — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Codeine is a derivative of opium, primarily used as a mild pain reliever and cough suppressant, whereas opium, a highly addictive narcotic, is derived directly from poppy plants and used for stronger pain relief.
Codeine vs. Opium — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Codeine and Opium

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Key Differences

Codeine, a specific alkaloid found in opium, is synthesized from morphine, offering mild to moderate pain relief and effective cough suppression. Whereas opium, extracted directly from the sap of the poppy plant, contains multiple alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, making it potent for managing severe pain.
Codeine is generally considered safer and less addictive, used in many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Whereas opium has a high risk of addiction and is largely illegal or controlled strictly in most countries due to its potent effects and historical misuse.
Codeine’s side effects are typically milder, including drowsiness and constipation, suitable for less severe symptoms. On the other hand, opium can cause significant side effects like respiratory depression and high potential for overdose, linked to its stronger narcotic properties.
Codeine is available in various forms, including tablets, liquids, and combination products, making it versatile for different medical needs. In contrast, opium is usually found in its raw or semi-processed form and less commonly used in modern medicine, with its derivatives preferred for clinical use.
Codeine's medical use is primarily in the realm of outpatient treatment for temporary ailments. On the other hand, opium's use has historically been more varied, encompassing both medicinal and recreational use, though now it is largely restricted due to legal and health implications.
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Comparison Chart

Source

Derived from morphine in opium.
Extracted from poppy plant sap.

Primary Use

Mild pain relief, cough suppressant.
Strong pain relief, sedative.

Addictive Potential

Lower, but dependency can develop.
High, with severe withdrawal symptoms.

Legality

Legal with prescription.
Mostly illegal or highly controlled.

Form

Tablets, liquids, combination drugs.
Raw, semi-processed.

Compare with Definitions

Codeine

Can be synthesized semi-synthetically from morphine.
Codeine is produced from morphine, an alkaloid found in opium.

Opium

Used historically as a painkiller and a recreational drug.
Opium dens were common in the 19th century as places for recreational use.

Codeine

Less potent and slightly less addictive than other opiates.
Doctors prefer codeine for minor ailments due to its lower risk profile.

Opium

A powerful narcotic drug derived from the latex of the opium poppy.
Opium has been used for centuries both medicinally and recreationally.

Codeine

Often used in medicine for its analgesic and antitussive properties.
Codeine tablets help alleviate his pain after the dental surgery.

Opium

Highly addictive with a high risk of abuse and dependence.
Opium addiction can lead to severe physical and psychological issues.

Codeine

A narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine and hydrocodone.
Codeine is often prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain.

Opium

Legal cultivation is restricted to certain countries under international law.
Some countries legally cultivate opium for medicinal purposes under strict controls.

Codeine

Commonly used in the form of syrups, tablets, and combination medications.
She was given a codeine-based cough syrup to relieve her persistent cough.

Opium

Contains several psychoactive compounds, including morphine and codeine.
Opium's pain-relieving properties are due to its high morphine content.

Codeine

Codeine is an opiate and prodrug of morphine used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It is found naturally in the sap of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum.

Opium

Opium (or poppy tears, scientific name: Lachryma papaveris) is dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy Papaver somniferum. Approximately 12 percent of opium is made up of the analgesic alkaloid morphine, which is processed chemically to produce heroin and other synthetic opioids for medicinal use and for the illegal drug trade.

Codeine

An alkaloid narcotic, C18H21NO3, derived from opium or morphine and used as a cough suppressant, analgesic, and hypnotic.

Opium

A bitter, yellowish-brown, strongly addictive narcotic drug prepared from the dried latex of unripe pods of the opium poppy and containing alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and papaverine.

Codeine

(pharmaceutical drug) An addictive alkaloid narcotic derived from opium and used as a hypnotic, analgesic and antitussive; often mixed with aspirin etc.

Opium

Something that numbs or stupefies.

Codeine

One of the opium alkaloids; a white crystalline substance, C18H21NO3, similar to and regarded as a derivative of morphine, but much feebler in its action; - called also codeia.

Opium

(uncountable) A yellow-brown, addictive narcotic drug obtained from the dried juice of unripe pods of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, and containing alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and papaverine.

Codeine

Derivative of opium; used as an antitussive (to relieve coughing) and an analgesic (to relive pain)

Opium

Anything that numbs or stupefies.

Opium

The inspissated juice of the Papaver somniferum, or white poppy.

Opium

An addictive narcotic extracted from seed capsules of the opium poppy

Common Curiosities

Why is codeine considered less addictive than opium?

Codeine is less potent than other opiates in opium, making it less addictive.

What is opium?

Opium is a narcotic obtained from the poppy plant, used historically for pain relief and recreation.

How is codeine related to opium?

Codeine is one of the many alkaloids found in opium, specifically synthesized from morphine.

Can codeine be used safely for pain management?

Yes, when used as prescribed, codeine is effective and relatively safe for managing mild to moderate pain.

What is codeine?

Codeine is an opiate used to treat mild to moderate pain and to reduce coughing.

What are the risks of opium use?

Opium is highly addictive with a significant risk of overdose and severe health issues.

What were historical uses of opium?

Historically, opium was used for pain relief and as a recreational drug in various cultures.

Is opium legal?

Opium is illegal in most countries, with some exceptions for medicinal cultivation under strict control.

Is codeine legal?

Codeine is legal in many places but requires a prescription due to its potential for abuse.

What forms is codeine available in?

Codeine is available in tablets, liquid form, and as part of combination medications.

What are common uses of codeine?

Codeine is commonly used for pain relief and as a cough suppressant in medical settings.

Can opium be used in modern medicine?

Modern medicine uses derivatives of opium, like morphine and codeine, rather than opium itself due to control issues and potency.

What forms does opium come in?

Opium is typically found in raw or semi-processed form, used less frequently in modern medicine.

How does codeine affect the body?

Codeine works by mimicking endorphins, reducing pain signals in the brain and throughout the body.

How does opium affect the body?

Opium affects the central nervous system, significantly altering pain perception and emotional response.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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