metabolization question

[bob cobb]

if i am unable to metabolize codeine, is it a for sure thing i will not be able to metabolize dihydrocodeine?

hydrocodone works good for me, if that matters.

 

[effie]

Interesting question! I had actually never thought about but but had assumed the inability to metabolise applied to codeine alone, and in the past I think I've advised people to try DHC if codeine didnt work for them - however this paper seems to think that dihydrocodeine it shares a metabolic pathway primarily using the same enzymes, where as hydrocodone has quite a different pathway, so it is definitely a possibility.

My pharmacology is so rusty.. shall go away and investigate for you, and in the meantime hope someone more knowledgable steps in, or you give it a go and report back to us! :D

 

[bob cobb]

thanks! thats greatly appreciated. im hoping its not the case

 

[bob cobb]

i actually just found this from mayoclinic-

"The CYP2D6 enzyme is entirely responsible for the metabolism of hydrocodone, codeine, and dihydrocodeine to their active metabolites (hydromorphone, morphine, and dihydromorphine, respectively)"

so does that answer my question? I am limited in my science knowledge lol

 

[sekio]

It doesn't matter if you can't metabolize dihydrocodeine, you will just get less of an effect than normal people. DHC is actually active as an opioid and does not rely on metabolic conversion to become active.