Norlevorphanol

Opioid analgesic

Norlevorphanol
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Norlevorphanol is a synthetic opioid analgesic that is structurally related to levorphanol. It is a member of the morphinan class of compounds and is known for its potent analgesic properties. Norlevorphanol is primarily used in research settings and is not commonly prescribed in clinical practice.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Norlevorphanol is a morphinan derivative, characterized by the presence of a 3-hydroxy group on the morphinan skeleton. The chemical structure of norlevorphanol is similar to that of levorphanol, with the primary difference being the absence of a methyl group at the nitrogen atom in the morphinan ring.

Chemical structure of norlevorphanol

The molecular formula of norlevorphanol is C16H21NO, and it has a molecular weight of 243.35 g/mol. The compound is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in organic solvents but has limited solubility in water.

Pharmacology

Norlevorphanol acts as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, which is responsible for its analgesic effects. The activation of these receptors in the central nervous system leads to the inhibition of pain pathways, resulting in pain relief. Norlevorphanol also exhibits some activity at the kappa-opioid receptor, which may contribute to its analgesic properties and side effect profile.

Clinical Use

While norlevorphanol is not widely used in clinical practice, it has been studied for its potential use as an analgesic. Its pharmacological profile suggests that it could be effective in managing moderate to severe pain. However, due to its potency and potential for abuse, its use is limited to controlled research environments.

Side Effects

As with other opioids, norlevorphanol can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness. More serious side effects can include respiratory depression, which is a significant risk with opioid use, especially at higher doses.

Legal Status

Norlevorphanol is classified as a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and dependence. Its use is typically restricted to research settings, and it is not available for general medical use.

Related Compounds

Norlevorphanol is closely related to several other opioid compounds, including:

• Levorphanol
• Dextrorphan
• Morphine

Related Pages

• Opioid
• Analgesic
• Mu-opioid receptor