Dihydrocodeine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
301.39
Molecular Formula
C18H23NO3
IUPAC Name
(5alpha,6alpha)-4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-ol
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Papaver somniferum (semi-synthetic)
Active Constituents
Codeine (precursor)
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Agonist at mu-opioid receptors.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Well absorbed orally.
D: Widely distributed.
M: Hepatic via CYP2D6 to dihydromorphine.
E: Renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Provides moderate to severe pain relief, antitussive.
Synthesis Pathway
Synthesized by catalytic hydrogenation of codeine.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Constipation, nausea, drowsiness, respiratory depression.
Contraindications
Acute severe asthma, paralytic ileus.
Drug Interactions
CNS depressants, CYP2D6 inhibitors.
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Tablets, Syrups
Official Compendia
BP