6-Monoacetylcodeine

6-Monoacetylcodeine (6-MAC) is an acetylated derivative of codeine. It is a minor constituent of opium and can be created as an intermediate product in the extraction of morphine from opium. 6-MAC is less potent than codeine and is consequently not used medically.

Chemistry

6-Monoacetylcodeine is a morphinan derivative, which is a type of chemical structure found in many opioid drugs. It is formed by the acetylation of the 6-hydroxy group on the codeine molecule. This modification reduces the potency of the drug compared to codeine, but it also alters its pharmacokinetics, making it more rapidly absorbed and metabolized in the body.

Pharmacology

The pharmacology of 6-MAC is not well studied, but it is known to be a prodrug of codeine, meaning it is metabolized in the body to produce codeine. This is likely to occur through the action of esterase enzymes, which remove the acetyl group from the 6-MAC molecule. The resulting codeine can then be further metabolized to morphine, which is responsible for most of the analgesic effects of codeine.

Toxicology

Like other opioids, 6-MAC has the potential for abuse and addiction. It can cause respiratory depression, nausea, constipation, and miosis. Overdose can lead to severe respiratory depression and death.

Legal status

6-Monoacetylcodeine is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and addiction. In the United States, it is a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

See also

• Codeine
• Morphine
• Opioid
• Prodrug