Norpethidine

Norpethidine

Norpethidine (also known as normeperidine, pethidine intermediate B, or desmethylpethidine) is a 4-phenylpiperidine derivative that is both a metabolite of and a synthetic precursor to pethidine (meperidine).

Chemistry

Norpethidine is a tertiary amine and a member of the class of phenylpiperidines, which are organic compounds containing a phenylpiperidine moiety. It is a metabolite of pethidine and is also used in the synthesis of pethidine and other related drugs. It has a role as an opioid analgesic and a human metabolite.

Pharmacology

Norpethidine acts as an analgesic, and it is approximately half as potent as pethidine as an analgesic. It has been shown to have neurotoxic effects, including seizures and myoclonus, particularly when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. This is believed to be due to its action as an NMDA receptor antagonist and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Clinical Use

Norpethidine is not commonly used clinically due to its potential for neurotoxic side effects. However, it may be produced in the body as a metabolite when pethidine is used as an analgesic. The potential for neurotoxicity from norpethidine is one of the reasons that pethidine is not typically used for long-term pain management.

Toxicity

The toxicity of norpethidine is primarily due to its neurotoxic effects. Symptoms of norpethidine toxicity can include seizures, myoclonus, and other neurological symptoms. These effects are more likely to occur with high doses or prolonged use of pethidine, which can lead to the accumulation of norpethidine in the body.

See Also

• Pethidine
• 4-Phenylpiperidine
• Opioid
• Analgesic
• NMDA receptor antagonist
• Serotonin reuptake inhibitor

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