By Vince Cakic in codeine — Mar 28, 2025

AeroPress Codeine Extraction Tek: AK-47 of codeine extraction methods, a decade too late

Tek for extracting codeine from ibuprofen/codeine tablet formulations

This Tek outlines the extraction of codeine from 12.8 mg codeine/200 mg ibuprofen tablet formulations. In Australia, common brands included Nurofen Plus, Panafen Plus, and Rafen Plus were available over the counter. This Tek is NOT intended for the extraction of codeine from preparations containing paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in North America. Applying this Tek to anything except ibuprofen containing products is wholly inappropriate and potentially deadly.

Aim

Extract codeine phosphate from codeine/ibuprofen formulations.

Materials

The materials required are very simple and aside from the Aerobie Aeropress, readily accessible.

Packet of codeine/ibuprofen combination tablets
Aerobie Aeropress with filter paper
Clear tumbler or cup
Water or any clear soft drink e.g. lemonade

1. Configure your AeroPress so that’s in an inverted position, expanded as maximally possible and fill with water

The first rule of guerrilla warfare is to blend in with your surroundings. What better way to camouflage one’s drug
paraphernalia than to use the paraphernalia associated with a culturally endorsed drug, caffeine?

This configuration is known as the 'inverted method' and is a popular method for preparing coffee. When fully expanded and without the risk of mishap, the AeroPress will hold approximately 290 ml.

Water can be replaced with soft drink, although it's recommended that the liquid is clear e.g. lemonade.

2. Place your desired quantity of codeine/ibuprofen tablets in solution and allow a couple minutes to dissolve

Like the AK-47 in combat, the AeroPress method is highly versatile. Unlike the cold water extraction required in paracetamol extraction, cold water is not required and a higher temperature aids in the dissolution process.

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Maximum quantity of tablets. From trial and error, approximately 15 tablets (192 mg codeine) in one pull appears to be optimal. Attempting to extract >20 tablets will result in an exponential decline in extraction success rate. Two factors are considered here: likelihood of getting a good quality extract on the first attempt; and, maximising the yield. People tend to want to extract a large quantity tablets in a single pull in order to spare themselves the time and effort of a second pull. However, by trying to extract more tablets all at once will burst the filter paper, requiring a repeat pull.

3. Wet a paper filter and position it over the filter cap by daubing it into place with your fingers then screw the filter cap into the end chamber of the AeroPress.

With the filter cap screwed in place, flip the AeroPress over and place it over the top of your cup.

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Decanting. In addition to paper, stainless steel filters are available alternative. However, if no filters are available, extraction is still possible by using a tall, slender tumbler and carefully decanting the solution.

4. Applying firm, even pressure, press down on the AeroPress and filter the codeine solution through

This is the most difficult step. The pressure should be slow and even, as too much force will burst the filter paper.

5. If the extraction was successful you should now have a cup of transparent codeine solution

It's best to use a clear tumbler as it will allow you to assess the quality of the extract.

Ibuprofen has a solubility of 1.14 g/100 ml.

6. Do not feed the ibuprofen patty to birds

Left behind is a patty containing ibuprofen and tablet binder.

7. Drink up, lost soldier

The solution has an unpleasant, slightly bitter taste. Mix with your favourite beverage such as cordial.

Aim