codeine phosphate
(KOH-deen FOS-fayt)
A drug used to treat mild to moderate pain, cough, and diarrhea. It is made from opium or morphine. Codeine phosphate works by binding to mu opioid receptors on cells in the central nervous system. This blocks pain signals and changes how the body responds to pain. It also helps decrease activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. When used for diarrhea, it slows the movement of the muscles in the intestines, giving the body more time to absorb water and electrolytes from feces (waste matter). This results in firmer and less frequent bowel movements. Codeine phosphate is a type of opiate, a type of analgesic agent (pain reliever), a type of antitussive agent (cough suppressant), and a type of antidiarrheal agent.