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jta3
jta3

Is hydrocodone stronger than codiene?

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Posted by jta3 on Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 7:57 PM and tagged with chemistry, hydrocodone, medication, narcotic, science.

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  1. ladyvols1 Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Hydrocodone is a synthetic narcotic analgesic.  Codeine is also a narcotic, but it is 4-8 times less effective than Hydrocodone.  Hydrocodone is more effective with less side effects than codeine.  It has also demonstrated itself to be less expensive because it is a synthetic.  Codeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in opium, used in medicine as a cough suppressant and analgesic drug. This drug is extremely habit forming and can create as many problems as it may cure.  The Hydocodoe is also habit forming, but because it is stronger, a smaller dose can be prescribed for a shorter amount of time, thus lowering the chances of addiction.  Both are dangerous and should only be used under the care of a doctor.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/wests-law-encyclopedia/drugs-narcotics
    http://www.reference.com/browse/codeine
    http://www.rxmed.com/b.main/b2.pharmaceutical/b2.1.monogr...

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    Posted by ladyvols1 on Monday February 23, 2009 at 7:37 PM