Levallorphan tartrate

Levallorphan Tartrate is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of opioid antagonists. It was first synthesized in the 1950s and has been used in various medical and research contexts.

History

Levallorphan was first synthesized in the 1950s as part of a series of compounds related to morphine. The tartrate salt form of levallorphan, levallorphan tartrate, was later developed to improve the compound's solubility and stability.

Pharmacology

Levallorphan tartrate acts as an antagonist at the mu-opioid receptor, one of the three main types of opioid receptors in the body. This means it blocks the effects of opioid drugs like morphine, heroin, and fentanyl. It can reverse the effects of these drugs, including pain relief, sedation, and respiratory depression.

Medical Use

Levallorphan tartrate has been used in the treatment of opioid overdose, where it can rapidly reverse the life-threatening effects of opioid drugs. It has also been used in research to study the effects of opioids on the brain and to develop new treatments for opioid addiction.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, levallorphan tartrate can have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, and sweating. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects like hallucinations and psychosis.

Legal Status

In many countries, levallorphan tartrate is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction. In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

See Also

• Naloxone
• Naltrexone
• Opioid Antagonist
• Opioid Overdose