Carfentanil

Carfentanil or carfentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times more potent than heroin. It is marketed under the trade name Wildnil as a general anaesthetic agent for large animals. Carfentanil is intended for large-animal use only as its extreme potency makes it inappropriate for use in humans. Currently, carfentanil is classified as a Schedule II drug under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

Etymology

The name "carfentanil" comes from the chemical name carbomethoxyfentanyl. The prefix "carbo-" refers to its carbon structure, "methoxy-" refers to its methoxy group, and "-fentanyl" indicates its relation to the fentanyl family of synthetic opioids.

Pharmacology

Carfentanil acts primarily on the mu-opioid receptor. It has a rapid onset and short duration of action. The drug is most commonly administered via injection or transdermal patch, or in lozenge form for pain management. The effects of carfentanil, including overdose, can be reversed by naloxone.

Uses

Carfentanil is used as a tranquilizing agent for large animals, such as elephants and rhinoceroses. The drug is also used in veterinary medicine for anesthesia. It is not approved for use in humans due to its extreme potency and risk of overdose.

Risks and Controversy

Carfentanil has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths in various parts of the world. The drug is often mixed with street-sold heroin and cocaine, significantly increasing the risk of overdose. Its use has been banned in some countries, but it remains in veterinary use in others.

See Also

• Fentanyl
• Opioid
• Naloxone

References

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Carfentanil

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