What is the duration of action for Codeine?

The duration of action for Codeine is typically around 4-6 hours. This duration reflects the time frame during which Codeine effectively manages pain or cough suppression after administration. Codeine is metabolized in the liver to active metabolites, and the 4-6 hour window indicates that after this period, the effectiveness begins to diminish, requiring potential re-dosing for ongoing pain management. This time frame also aligns with the pharmacokinetics of many opioid medications, where a moderate duration of action is expected to help manage acute pain without excessive sedation or risk of dependence.