Codeine (C18H21NO3) is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, diarrhoea and as a cough suppressant. It is an opioid analgesic which activates opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system to produce analgesia, respiratory depression, sedation and constipation. Codeine (a pro-drug) is metabolised to morphine by the CYP2D6 liver enzyme and some people lacking this enzyme (eg.6-10% of Caucasians and 1-2% of Asians) will not obtain analgesia; and other people are ultra-rapid metabolisers who may achieve higher morphine concentrations, thus increasing their risk of toxicity. Codeine is an alkaloid found in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, which has been cultivated and utilised thoughout human history for its various medicinal and hypnotic properties. Codeine was first isolated in 1832 by a French pharmacist and is now the most widely used opiate in the world. Codeine, as with other opiates, has a high abuse potential and as it was available without a prescription until 1st February, 2018, when combined with other analgesics such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, it was often sought by people with opiate addiction. Restrictions on its supply had been made previously in Australia to try to limit its use to those with a medical need but still retain its availability for mild pain, however the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) made the decision to change the scheduling to prescription only in 2018, which has caused considerable controversy.
The original cache was a little round container with a bright lid, replacement is a long pale container tucked away. This is a new estate without any houses at the time of hiding. Good view to the north. Will fit small swaps.
FTF prize is a "happy pill" with a message inside. Please do not swallow!
CONGRATULATIONS to Rae Indi on FTF !!!