Thebaine

Thebaine (also known as paramorphine), is an opioid alkaloid that is found in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It is chemically similar to both morphine and codeine, but has stimulatory rather than depressant effects, making it less useful for analgesics. However, it is used as the starting material in the production of a number of semi-synthetic opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, nalbuphine, naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, and etorphine.

Chemistry

Thebaine is a tertiary amine. It is a minor constituent of opium and is chemically similar to morphine and codeine, but it has a stimulatory effect that can be harmful. Thebaine is not used therapeutically, but it is the main alkaloid extracted from Papaver bracteatum (Iranian poppy) and can be converted industrially into a variety of compounds including oxycodone, oxymorphone, nalbuphine, naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, and etorphine.

Pharmacology

Thebaine is an agonist of the mu-opioid receptor, kappa-opioid receptor, and delta-opioid receptor. It is more toxic than other naturally occurring opioids and is not used in medicine.

Toxicity

Thebaine is a powerful narcotic and can be habit-forming. It is more toxic than other naturally occurring opiates. Thebaine exposure can result in convulsions similar to strychnine poisoning. The LD50 for thebaine in mice is 117 mg/kg, in rats it is 173 mg/kg, and in guinea pigs it is 46 mg/kg.

See also

• Opioid
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone
• Nalbuphine
• Naloxone
• Naltrexone
• Buprenorphine
• Etorphine

Thebaine Resources
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