Diacetyldihydromorphine
Diacetyldihydromorphine, also known as dihydroheroin, is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. It is an acetylated form of dihydromorphine, similar in structure to heroin (diacetylmorphine), but with a saturated 7,8-dihydro ring.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Diacetyldihydromorphine is chemically classified as an opioid and is a member of the morphinan class of compounds. The chemical structure of diacetyldihydromorphine is characterized by the presence of two acetyl groups attached to the morphinan skeleton, specifically at the 3 and 6 positions of the morphine molecule. This modification increases its lipid solubility, allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than morphine.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Diacetyldihydromorphine acts primarily as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, similar to other opioids. This receptor is responsible for the analgesic and euphoric effects of opioids. The acetylation of dihydromorphine to form diacetyldihydromorphine enhances its potency and duration of action compared to its parent compound.
Effects[edit | edit source]
The effects of diacetyldihydromorphine are similar to those of other opioids, including:
- Analgesia (pain relief)
- Euphoria
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression
- Constipation
Metabolism[edit | edit source]
Once administered, diacetyldihydromorphine is rapidly metabolized in the body. It is deacetylated to form dihydromorphine, which is then further metabolized and excreted. The rapid metabolism contributes to its short duration of action.
Medical Use[edit | edit source]
Diacetyldihydromorphine has been used in the past for its analgesic properties, but its use is limited due to the potential for abuse and addiction. It is not commonly used in modern medical practice and is classified as a controlled substance in many countries.
Legal Status[edit | edit source]
Due to its potential for abuse and addiction, diacetyldihydromorphine is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is not accepted for medical use and has a high potential for abuse. Similar restrictions apply in other countries under international drug control treaties.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD