Medical Health Encyclopedia

Codeine is an opioid analgesic and antitussive medication used to treat mild to moderate pain and relieve coughs. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to decrease the perception of pain and suppressing the cough reflex in the medulla. It is often combined with paracetamol for enhanced pain relief.

Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, providing a dual mechanism for pain relief. It is often prescribed when non-opioid painkillers are insufficient.