Morphine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
285.34
Molecular Formula
C17H19NO3
IUPAC Name
(5alpha,6alpha)-7,8-didehydro-4,5-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6-diol
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Papaver somniferum (Opium poppy)
Active Constituents
Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Potent agonist at mu-opioid receptors in the CNS and GI tract.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Variable oral absorption (significant first-pass).
D: Widely distributed, crosses BBB.
M: Hepatic glucuronidation to active M6G.
E: Renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Profound analgesia, euphoria, respiratory depression, miosis, decreased GI motility.
Synthesis Pathway
Derived from tyrosine via reticuline and thebaine.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Constipation, respiratory depression, sedation, addiction.
Contraindications
Acute respiratory depression, paralytic ileus, raised intracranial pressure.
Drug Interactions
CNS depressants, MAOIs, alcohol.
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Injection, Tablets, Suppositories
Official Compendia
IP, BP, USP