N-Phenethyl-14-ethoxymetopon

N-Phenethyl-14-ethoxymetopon is a potent opioid analgesic drug that is structurally related to metopon and the morphinan family. It was developed by a team at the University of Alberta in the late 1990s.

Chemistry

N-Phenethyl-14-ethoxymetopon is a derivative of metopon, which itself is a derivative of hydromorphone. It is synthesized by replacing the N-methyl group of metopon with a phenethyl group, and the 14-hydroxy group with an ethoxy group. This modification results in a drug that is approximately 60 times more potent than morphine in its analgesic effects.

Pharmacology

Like other opioids, N-Phenethyl-14-ethoxymetopon acts on the mu opioid receptor to produce its analgesic effects. It is thought to be a full agonist at this receptor, meaning it can fully activate the receptor to produce its maximum possible response.

Clinical Use

Despite its potency, N-Phenethyl-14-ethoxymetopon is not currently used in clinical practice. Its development was primarily for research purposes, to better understand the structure-activity relationships of opioid drugs. However, its high potency and long duration of action suggest that it could potentially be useful in the treatment of severe chronic pain.

See Also

• Opioid
• Metopon
• Morphinan
• Hydromorphone
• Mu opioid receptor