Noroxycodone

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Noroxycodone is an opioid metabolite of the opioid analgesic oxycodone. It is formed in the body through the N-demethylation of oxycodone, primarily by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4. Noroxycodone is one of the major metabolites of oxycodone, along with oxymorphone and noroxymorphone.

Pharmacology

Noroxycodone has been found to possess some analgesic activity, although it is significantly less potent than its parent compound, oxycodone. The pharmacological effects of noroxycodone are primarily mediated through its action on the mu-opioid receptor, similar to other opioids. However, its affinity for the mu-opioid receptor is lower compared to oxycodone and oxymorphone.

Metabolism

The metabolism of oxycodone involves several pathways, with noroxycodone being one of the primary metabolites. The conversion of oxycodone to noroxycodone is catalyzed by the enzyme CYP3A4. This metabolic pathway is significant because it can influence the overall pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxycodone. Factors that affect CYP3A4 activity, such as drug interactions or genetic polymorphisms, can alter the levels of noroxycodone and other metabolites.

Clinical Significance

The presence of noroxycodone in the body can be detected through urine drug testing, which is often used to monitor compliance in patients prescribed oxycodone for pain management. Understanding the metabolism of oxycodone to noroxycodone is also important in the context of drug interactions and adverse effects.

See also

• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Noroxymorphone
• CYP3A4
• Opioid