Codeine is prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain relief. Knowing how long codeine stays in your urine is helpful information. This opiate medication works well when taken as prescribed but comes with risks. When misused, codeine’s side effects include possible overdose if too much remains in your system for too long. Seek help from a drug rehab center if you are experiencing codeine withdrawal symptoms.
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. Therefore, the question of “how long does codeine stay in your urine” is easy to answer with this understanding. Some of the substances 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.
What Is Codeine?
Codeine is a type of prescription pain medication that is used to treat mild to moderate types of pain. Codeine comes in tablet form and is the main ingredient in prescription-strength and over-the-counter cough suppressants. Tylenol 3, is a combination of codeine and acetaminophen.
Codeine is an opiate (also known as a called a narcotic). Other opiates include fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin, and morphine. The effects of codeine include:
- Euphoria
- Apathy
- Drowsiness
- Relaxation
Codeine Effects and Abuse
Codeine use typically starts out innocently when a person receives a prescription for a codeine-based cough syrup. Because codeine is less regulated than some other opioids, it is easier to obtain.
Variables That Impact Detection
Other factors besides ingestion determine how long codeine stays in your urine. For example, 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 codeine stays 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 substance abuse 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:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Aftercare
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.
