codeine
n. C1 Advanced UK //kˈəʊdaɪn// codeine
n. a type of medicine used to treat pain and coughs. It is a mild opioid that can make you feel sleepy or drowsy.
n. an opioid analgesic and antitussive drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain and suppress coughing. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy.
The doctor prescribed codeine to help with my toothache.
Patients taking codeine for chronic pain must be monitored closely for signs of dependency or respiratory depression.
While effective for acute pain management, the use of codeine is often restricted due to its potential for abuse and the risk of developing a physical dependence over time.
From French codéine, from Ancient Greek κώδεια (kṓdeia, “capsule of the poppy, poppy head”) + -ine.