Acetorphine

Acetorphine

Acetorphine is a potent narcotic analgesic drug that is a derivative of thebaine. It was first developed in 1966 and is used primarily in veterinary medicine. Acetorphine is considered to be one of the most potent opioids in existence, with an analgesic potency approximately 8700 times that of morphine.

Chemistry

Acetorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid, meaning it is created in a laboratory setting by modifying the chemical structure of a naturally occurring opioid, in this case, thebaine. The chemical formula for acetorphine is C29H37NO2. It is a member of the 4,5-epoxymorphinan class of opioids, which also includes drugs like codeine and hydrocodone.

Pharmacology

Acetorphine works by binding to and activating the mu-opioid receptor in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This receptor is responsible for the pain-relieving effects of opioids. Acetorphine also has a high affinity for the delta-opioid receptor and the kappa-opioid receptor, which may contribute to its potent analgesic effects.

Uses

Acetorphine is primarily used in veterinary medicine, particularly for large animals such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Due to its extreme potency, it is typically administered in very small doses and often in combination with other drugs to counteract its potentially lethal side effects.

Side Effects

Like all opioids, acetorphine can cause a range of side effects. These can include sedation, respiratory depression, and constipation. In high doses, acetorphine can cause fatal respiratory depression.

Legal Status

In many countries, including the United States, acetorphine is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

See Also

• Opioid
• Thebaine
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Hydrocodone