Why is Codeine often considered a 'prodrug'?
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Correct answer: It must be converted to morphine by CYP2D6 to relieve pain
Codeine itself has very low affinity for opioid receptors. Its analgesic potency depends on its metabolic conversion to morphine by the polymorphic enzyme CYP2D6; 'ultra-rapid metabolizers' are at risk of morphine toxicity from standard codeine doses.
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