1.1 Introduction
Codeine is an opiate analgesic that is commonly used in a formulation with paracetamol (acetaminophen), although combinations with other analgesics like acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, caffeine, barbiturates and sedative antihistamines may also exist (Frost et al., 2016). The drug is often used to suppress a cough either alone or by combining it with other drugs (Helland, 2012). The major pharmacological effects of codeine such as analgesia, drowsiness, mood changes, respiratory depression, nausea, and decreased gastrointestinal motility are produced on the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal tract (Jaffej et al., 1980). Common adverse effects associated with the use of codeine include drowsiness and constipation. Less common are itching, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, miosis, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, euphoria, and dysphoria. Rare adverse effects include anaphylaxis, seizure, acute pancreatitis, and respiratory depression. As with all opiates, long-term effects can vary, but can include diminished libido, apathy, and memory loss (Wikipedia, 2021).
The abuse and misuse of prescription opioids such as codeine have reached an alarming rate in the last ten years. In the United States, it was reported that about 1.2 million visit emergency department (ED) as a result of non-medical use of prescription medications in 2011 alone (DAWN, 2013). The production and importation of cough syrup that include codeine as an ingredient was ban by the Nigerian Government in 2018 due to concerns regarding its use by youths to get intoxicated (Grady, 2019). Many addicts of codeine in many countries are into the habit of using the drug every day without doctor prescriptions which is of great concerns.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of this research which entails some common adverse effects associated with the use of codeine include drowsiness and constipation. Less common are itching, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, miosis, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, euphoria, and dysphoria. Rare adverse effects include anaphylaxis, seizure, acute pancreatitis, and respiratory depression. As with all opiates, long-term effects can vary, but can include diminished libido, apathy, and memory loss. Some people may have allergic reactions to codeine, such as the swelling of skin and rashes. Tolerance to many of the effects of codeine, including its therapeutic effects, develops with prolonged use. This occurs at different rates for different effects, with tolerance to the constipation-inducing effects developing particularly slowly for instance (Wikipedia, 2021d).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to identify the Effect of Administration of Codein in Some Biochemical Marker in Rats. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the effects of codeine administration on some haematological and biochemical indices in rats.
- To assess the toxic effects of different doses, including overdoses of codeine, on haematological parameters, biochemical changes and oxidative damage in the liver and kidney of rats exposed to normal, high and extreme doses of codeine orally for 28 days.
1.4 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on Effect of Administration of Codein in Some Biochemical Marker in Rats.
1.6 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
