Nicomorphine

Nicomorphine (also known as 3,6-dinicotinoylmorphine) is a powerful opioid analgesic drug, which is an opioid ester derivative of morphine. It was invented in 1904 in Vienna, Austria by the pharmacist Heinrich E. Merck and was marketed by the Merck company of Darmstadt, Germany under the brand name Alodyn.

Pharmacology

Nicomorphine is metabolised in the body into morphine and nicotinic acid. The drug is approximately between half and a full time as potent as morphine by weight. This means that a dose of about 120 mg of nicomorphine will have the same analgesic effect as 60–100 mg of morphine if given intravenously.

Medical uses

Nicomorphine is used for pain relief in a manner similar to morphine, but it is not used as a substitute for morphine in the treatment of addiction. It is used in many countries where it is available for prescription under various brand names, including Alodyn, Nicomorfin, and Vilan.

Side effects

The side effects of nicomorphine are similar to those of other opioids and include itching, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and respiratory depression.

Legal status

Nicomorphine is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. In other countries, it is controlled under similar laws to those governing morphine.

See also

• List of opioids
• Opioid epidemic

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