Desmethylprodine
Desmethylprodine is a synthetic opioid developed in the 1940s by researchers at Hoffmann-La Roche. It is chemically related to pethidine (meperidine) and is a potent analgesic.
Chemistry[edit]
Desmethylprodine is a 4-phenylpiperidine derivative that is structurally similar to pethidine. The only difference is the absence of a methyl group on the nitrogen atom. This small change makes desmethylprodine approximately 30 times more potent than pethidine as an analgesic.
Pharmacology[edit]
Desmethylprodine acts primarily as a mu-opioid receptor agonist. The mu-opioid receptors are a class of opioid receptors with high affinity for enkephalins and beta-endorphin but low affinity for dynorphins. They are also the primary receptors responsible for the analgesic effects of opioids.
History[edit]
Desmethylprodine was first synthesized in 1947 by Hoffman-La Roche, which was looking for a non-addictive alternative to morphine. However, it was found to be highly addictive and was never marketed.
Legal status[edit]
Desmethylprodine is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. It is also controlled under international law by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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Desmethylprodine chemical structure
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Desmethylprodine molecule ball-and-stick model
