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Codeine
and Morphine
Codeine and morphine are both extracted from
natural Opium from the Papaver Somniferum poppy flower. However
there are major differences between the two which are very important.
Both
are processed in the body eventually to be converted into endorphins
in the brain however this is done in different ways for the different
medications assuming they are taken oraly. Morhpine is converted
directly through the liver, the majority of the morphine is destroyed
in this process and only a small part eventually reaches the brain,
also an added major disadvantage is that liver damage occurs during
this morphine conversion process.
On
the other hand Codeine is converted through the gastrointestinal
tract bypassing the liver entirely. In this way the majority of
codeine is converted into endorphins and there is no damage to the
body's internal organs.
Differences
aside Morphine is primarily used in hospitals and by medical professionals
to control severe pain. It is not commonly prescribed outside hospitals
and should never be used without the advice of a medical professional.
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