Codeine is prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain relief. Knowing how long does codeine stay in your urine is helpful information for getting needed effects. This opiate medication works well when taken as prescribed but comes with risks.
It has equally dangerous effects including possible overdose if too much remains in your system for too long.
How the Body Processes Codeine
Upon ingestion, it takes 2.5 to 4 hours for the liver to metabolize codeine. This process is called “half-life” and it describes how long it takes your body to process the drug. Your blood’s plasma processes half of what you ingest during those hours.
This length of time is relatively quick for codeine. Close to 90% of the substance gets eliminated in your urine via the kidneys within the first 24 hours. Yet, traces of codeine may still be in your system after that time passes. Whatever is left may show up in a drug test.
How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your Urine?
As previously mentioned, it does not take long for the body to eliminate codeine. The question of “how long does codeine stay in your urine” is easy to answer with this understanding. Some of the substance can stay in your urine for up to two days.
Codeine is detectable within several hours after ingestion. It takes an extremely large dosage for a urine test to detect codeine after 24 hours.
Variables That Impact Detection
Other factors besides ingestion determine how long does codeine stay in your urine. Actual time varies from one person to the next. Likewise, a variety of factors influence the timeframe that codeine remains in your system.
Some of these variables include:
- Age and weight
- Metabolism rate
- Frequency of using codeine
- Hydration level
- Dosage amount
- Presence of health conditions
- Active or inactive lifestyle
Codeine is relatively safe when taken as prescribed to treat minor pain. This same drug becomes addictive and dangerous at high doses. It depresses the central nervous system and can make you feel drowsy, relaxed, and euphoric. Codeine can also slow your heart rate.
Finding out how long does codeine stay in your urine is not always easy if you become addicted. Detecting an addiction can be difficult since you start taking it under medical supervision. Compulsive usage and a preoccupation with getting more of the drug are sure signs.
Get Treatment for Codeine Addiction Today
Crestview Recovery can help you or a loved one who suffers from an addiction to codeine. Our rehab center in Portland, Oregon offers a codeine addiction treatment program that can turn your life around.
We offer many programs and services to support your struggle to stop using a drug that was supposed to help. Our facility provides treatment in different formats such as:
You do not have to continue this battle with codeine addiction. Crestview Recovery is here to help you begin anew. Contact us at 866.262.0531 to learn more about how to start your recovery journey today.