Etoetonitazene

Etoetonitazene is a potent opioid analgesic drug that is an analogue of etorphine, which is used in veterinary medicine. It was first synthesized in the 1950s by a team of Swiss researchers. Etoetonitazene is not currently approved for use in humans or animals, but it has been sold on the black market as a designer drug.

Chemistry

Etoetonitazene belongs to the benzimidazole class of opioids. It is structurally related to other benzimidazole opioids such as clonitazene and nitazene. The chemical formula of etoetonitazene is C23H30N4O. It is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water.

Pharmacology

Etoetonitazene acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It is estimated to be several thousand times more potent than morphine. The drug produces effects similar to other opioids, including analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression. However, due to its extreme potency, it carries a high risk of overdose and death.

Legal Status

In many countries, including the United States, etoetonitazene is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

Health Risks

The use of etoetonitazene carries significant health risks. These include respiratory depression, which can lead to death, as well as dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Due to its potency, even a small amount of the drug can cause a fatal overdose.

See Also

• Opioid
• Etorphine
• Benzimidazole
• Mu-opioid receptor
• Schedule I drug