How long is the typical duration of action for codeine?

The duration of action for codeine is typically 4 to 6 hours, making this the correct answer. Codeine is an opiate used to treat mild to moderate pain and can also act as a cough suppressant. Its effects usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes after administration, reaching peak levels within 1 to 2 hours and generally lasting for 4 to 6 hours, which aligns with the pharmacokinetics of the drug.

Understanding the duration of action is crucial, especially in clinical settings where timing and dosage of medication can significantly influence patient care and management of pain. The other options do not accurately reflect the pharmacological profile of codeine; for example, a shorter duration of 1 to 2 hours would not account for sufficient pain control for most indications for which codeine is prescribed, while longer durations of 8 to 16 hours would imply a much slower metabolism or prolonged action that does not align with its established clinical use.