Biochem/physiol Actions

Meptazinol entered the human pharmaceutical market as a racemic mixture in the 1980s for use as an analgesic. Its pharmacology is not completely understood; however, its analgesic properties are mostly due to its partial agonism at the mu1 opioid receptor. Due to its partial agonism, Meptazinol antagonizes morphine dependence in vivo. Its advantage over other opiates is its reduced capacity to cause addition and respiratory depression, also due to its intrinsic activity as a partial agonist. Meptazinol has been found to have additional activity as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, particularly in its (-) enantiomeric form, which may partially explain its analgesic properties. AChE inhibitors are used to treat Alzheimer′s disease, providing additional interest in this compound.

Features and Benefits

This compound was developed by Wyeth. To browse the list of other pharma-developed compounds and Approved Drugs/Drug Candidates, click here.

This compound is featured on the Opioid Receptors page of the Handbook of Receptor Classification and Signal Transduction. To browse other handbook pages, click here.

Packaging

10, 50 mg in glass bottle