Which opioid is commonly used for mild to moderate pain?

Codeine is commonly used for mild to moderate pain due to its relatively lower potency compared to other opioids. It is often prescribed for conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, and dental pain, where the intensity of pain does not require stronger analgesics. Codeine works effectively by converting to morphine in the body, although its action is limited by this conversion process. This characteristic makes it suitable for patients who need pain relief without the risk of stronger opioids, which may lead to more significant side effects and a higher potential for dependency.

Other opioids like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are typically reserved for more severe pain management due to their stronger analgesic properties.