Chemistry Homework for Monday

just to help me research on codeine...

1. In writing, explain what this drug is used to treat ( e.g. specific simptoms, what it breaks down) 2.Explain when the drug was develped/ how it was discovered/what company or companies produce it/ how expensive it was to develop/the cost to manufacture/ and how much it costs in the region you are focusing on. 3.List and explain the side effects of the drug 4.Discuss other ways your disease can be treated

http://www.assistpainrelief.com/info/codeine/ - how codeine works

"Codeine is a weak opiate agonist that provides relief from pain by blocking the pain signals that are being sent from the brain to affected areas of the body. Within half an hour it works on the Central Nervous System (CNS) to inhibit these pain signals. Because the transmission of the pain signals has been impaired, less pain is felt, even if the original source of the pain remains. In this regard, codeine mimics the effects of endorphins, which are naturally occurring painkilling chemicals produced by the body." - I don't think translation is really needed.

As I already said before, dengue fever causes severe headaches, retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain, and severe joint and muscle pain. Although the disease doesn't have a vaccination or a drug treatment, at least it has medicine to reduce the agony of it.

http://opioids.com/jh/index.html - when codeine was developed

Apparently, codeine is an alkaloid of opium, which means that it basically has the same chemical properties. It was made in 1832 as a pain killer. They are all used to reduce pain without going unconscious.

Well, just in case I can't find a specific explanation on codeine, I will branch it off of opium. Opium has been around over thousands of years and has been used by Greeks as well as China and Southeast Asia. It was proven useful, especially for the Chinese who had given doses to their patients before going through major surgery.

http://www.assistpainrelief.com/info/codeine/ - who discovered codeine

"The French Chemist Pierre-Jean Robiquet was the first person to extract codeine from opium in 1832, hence the use of the collective terms "opiates" or "opioids" to describe these narcotics."

http://www.drugs.com/codeine.html - side effects of codeine

"What are the possible side effects of codeine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking codeine and seek emergency medical attention:
·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
·slow, weak breathing;
·seizures;
·cold, clammy skin;
·severe weakness or dizziness; or
·unconsciousness.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take codeine and talk to your doctor if you experience
·constipation;
·dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
·dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
·muscle twitches;
·sweating;
·itching;
·decreased urination; or
·decreased sex drive.
Codeine is habit forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome."