Norcodeine

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Norcodeine

Norcodeine is an opioid and the major metabolite of codeine. It is less potent than codeine as an analgesic and is primarily used in scientific research. Norcodeine has similar structure to codeine, but lacks a methyl group on the nitrogen atom.

Chemistry

Norcodeine belongs to the class of organic compounds known as morphinans, which are polycyclic compounds with a four-ring skeleton with three condensed six-member rings forming a partially hydrogenated phenanthrene "core". The fourth ring is a twelve-membered ring fused to the phenanthrene core.

Pharmacology

Norcodeine acts as a weak agonist at the μ-opioid receptor, but is primarily inactive as an analgesic. It is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, specifically CYP2D6, to produce inactive metabolites.

Clinical Use

Due to its low potency, norcodeine is not used clinically for pain management. Its primary use is in scientific research, particularly in studies involving the metabolism of codeine and other opioids.

Toxicity

Like other opioids, norcodeine can cause a range of side effects, including drowsiness, nausea, and respiratory depression. However, due to its low potency, the risk of serious side effects is lower than with more potent opioids.

See Also

• Codeine
• Morphinan
• Opioid
• Cytochrome P450