Acetylmethadol
Acetylmethadol
Acetylmethadol (pronunciation: a-set-il-meth-a-dol) is a synthetic opioid analgesic that was previously used in the treatment of opioid addiction. It is also known by its brand name, Alphacetylmethadol.
Etymology
The term "Acetylmethadol" is derived from its chemical structure, which is an acetylated form of methadone. The prefix "acetyl-" refers to the acetyl group (-COCH3) in its structure, and "-methadol" is a suffix used in the names of synthetic opioids.
Pharmacology
Acetylmethadol is a long-acting opioid agonist that works by binding to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the perception of pain and producing a sense of euphoria. It is more potent and has a longer duration of action than methadone.
Medical Use
Acetylmethadol was used in the treatment of opioid dependence. However, it has been largely replaced by other medications such as methadone and buprenorphine due to its potential for causing serious side effects, including life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities.
Side Effects
The side effects of Acetylmethadol are similar to those of other opioids and can include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and respiratory depression. It can also cause QT prolongation, a serious heart rhythm disorder.
Legal Status
In the United States, Acetylmethadol is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is not currently accepted for medical use.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acetylmethadol
- Wikipedia's article - Acetylmethadol
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