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Nalorphine Hydrochloride: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

1 min read

Chemical Structure:

  • C19H21NO3 · HCl

Chemical Structure
Chemical Structure

Mechanism of Action:

  • Mixed Opioid Agonist-Antagonist: Nalorphine is a mixed agonist-antagonist at opioid receptors. It acts as an antagonist primarily at the mu-opioid receptor and as a partial agonist at kappa-opioid receptors.

  • Counteracting Opioid Effects: By antagonizing mu-opioid receptors, it can counteract the effects of opioids, particularly respiratory depression and CNS depression caused by opioid overdose.

Uses:

  • Opioid Overdose: Used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression.

  • Diagnostic Tool: Sometimes used in diagnosing opioid addiction and physical dependence.

Side Effects:

  • Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms: In patients dependent on opioids, nalorphine can precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

  • Psychotomimetic Effects: Hallucinations and other dysphoric effects, likely due to kappa-opioid receptor agonism.

  • Respiratory and Cardiovascular Effects: Rarely, may cause respiratory depression or hypertension in sensitive individuals.

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