Normorphine

Normorphine

Normorphine is an opioid analgesic drug that is derived from morphine. It is used in the treatment of severe pain, often in patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. Normorphine is less commonly used than other opioids due to its potential for causing severe side effects, including respiratory depression and physical dependence.

Chemistry

Normorphine is a phenanthrene derivative, like other natural opioids. It is structurally similar to morphine, but with a different arrangement of the hydroxyl groups. This structural difference is responsible for the different pharmacological properties of normorphine.

Pharmacology

Normorphine acts primarily on the mu opioid receptor, but also has some activity at the kappa opioid receptor. It is a potent analgesic, with a potency similar to that of morphine. However, normorphine has a higher potential for causing side effects, including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It also has a high potential for causing physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Clinical Use

Normorphine is used in the treatment of severe pain, often in patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. It is typically administered by injection, as it has poor oral bioavailability. The dose of normorphine is typically lower than that of morphine, due to its higher potency.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of normorphine are similar to those of other opioids, and include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness. More serious side effects include respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening, and physical dependence, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is discontinued abruptly.

See Also

• Opioid
• Morphine
• Mu opioid receptor
• Kappa opioid receptor

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