3-Methylfentanyl

3-Methylfentanyl (also known as 3-MF, meperidine or pethidine) is a potent opioid analgesic that is an analog of fentanyl. It is one of the most potent opioids known, being over 400 times stronger than morphine. It was first developed in the 1970s by a team at Janssen Pharmaceutica.

Chemistry

3-Methylfentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is structurally similar to fentanyl. It is made by replacing the phenethyl group of fentanyl with a 3-methyl group. This small change in structure results in a drug that is significantly more potent than its parent compound.

Pharmacology

Like other opioids, 3-methylfentanyl works by binding to the mu-opioid receptor in the brain. This binding inhibits the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, leading to an increase in their levels in the brain. This results in analgesia, or pain relief, as well as other effects such as sedation and euphoria.

Effects

The effects of 3-methylfentanyl are similar to those of other opioids. These can include pain relief, sedation, euphoria, constipation, and respiratory depression. Due to its high potency, the risk of overdose and death is significantly higher than with other opioids.

Legal status

3-Methylfentanyl is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. It is also controlled under similar laws in many other countries.

See also

• Fentanyl
• Opioid
• Janssen Pharmaceutica