Comparative metabolism of codeine in man, rat, dog, guinea-pig and rabbit: identification of four new metabolites

Abstract

The metabolism and excretion of codeine and its metabolites in untreated urine of man, rat, dog, guinea-pig and rabbit have been examined. Metabolites were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry operated in the chemical ionization mode (methane). Concentrations of codeine and metabolites were measured by selected ion monitoring. Both codeine and norcodeine were detected in the urine of all species but a new metabolite, hydrocodone, was found only in the urine from man, guinea-pig and dog. Additional metabolites (presumably resulting from the metabolism of hydrocodone) were also detected in man and guinea-pig. Overall recoveries of drug and metabolites from untreated urine were low for all species.